Why does Chile celebrate independence on 18 September?
Because on 18 September 1810 Chile's first Government Junta was formed; independence itself came in 1818, but the party stays on this date and Chileans call the whole week el dieciocho. There is a military parade on the 19th, many businesses close for the week, and September is the start of spring.
The dates
On 18 September 1810 Chile's first Government Junta was formed; independence itself came in 1818, but the party is on this date, and Chileans simply call the whole week el dieciocho. September is the start of spring in the southern hemisphere, so at last the weather is good. On the 19th there is a military parade, and the country rests for a few more days; many businesses close for the whole week.
- On 18 September 1810 the first Junta de Gobierno was formed; independence came in 1818.
- On 19 September there is a military parade, and many businesses close for the whole week.
- September is the start of spring in Chile.
Ese día, en 1810, se formó la primera Junta de Gobierno.On that day, in 1810, the first Government Junta was formed.
En septiembre empieza la primavera, y por fin hace buen tiempo.September is the start of spring, and at last the weather is good.
El 19 de septiembre hay un desfile militar, y el país descansa unos días más.On the 19th of September there is a military parade, and the country rests for a few more days.
More about Fiestas Patrias: el dieciocho
- What do Chileans eat, drink and dance on el dieciocho?
- What Spanish words do you need for Chile's Fiestas Patrias?
- Fiestas Patrias: el dieciocho