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The Chilean Independence Day

Dieciocho de Septiembre

chile

Figure 1: These three maps give the location and cities of Chile
http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/samerica/cl.htm

 

Abstract

The Chilean Independence Day is a time when the entire country comes together to celebrate their freedom. It is a joyous time and people are able to unite as one. The day is full of closed parties and wine. It is a day of remembrance. The experience is completely political. A parade and all the celebration are just to commemorate the defeat of Spain 's tyranny almost 200 years ago. They celebrate their government that has an election for the President, and the democratic and representative government. It is the most important holiday celebrated by the Chilean people.

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A man dancing at the Independence Day celebration.

http://www.settlement.org-/cp/english/chile/holidays.html

Chileano people sing and dance to celebrate Diecioho de Septiembre (Independence Day)


http://todosobre.123.cl/todosobre_dieciocho.htm

Introduction

Not too many countries have a mountain range and a desert, but Chile is one of them. The Atacama Desert covers some of the northern part of the country, and the landscape also contains the Andes Mountains . With so much land to cover, it is impressive that Chileans can unite to celebrate a national holiday. September 18, 1810 is the day that the people of Chile declared themselves independent of Spain . This holiday is considered to be the most important holiday throughout the entire country. The celebration of this day brings jubilation throughout the nation in remembrance of their triumph so long ago. A vast country that is able to celebrate in such unity shows the strength and dedication of its people. (Zanartu 1969)

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Context of [country name]

Chile is located in the Southwest part of South America . It borders Peru and Argentina, as well as the Pacific Ocean . The country is very long and therefore has three different climates. In the north, there is more of a desert climate. In the middle part of the country, it is more Mediterranean, which means that it is cooler than the northern part. In the south, it is cool and damp. The country's main natural resources are copper, timber, and iron ore. (Dorfman 1990)

  Chile had a Marxist government for three years until it was overthrown in 1973. A man named Augusto Pinochet ruled until the first freely president was elected in 1990. The country has had a steady growth and has been maintaining a democratic and representative government. It is currently stable and recognized as so around the world. (Bethell 1993)

  The population of Chile is about 16 million, and the national language is Spanish. The Roman Catholic religion is the most prevalent in the country. About 95% of the people are either white or white-Amerindian. The most important holiday in Chile is the celebration of the Independence Day. (The World Factbook)

 

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Origins of [celebration name]

The Chilean Independence Day, which is also known as “Dieciocho,” commemorates the declaration of the countries independence from Spain in 1810. Dieciocho just means the eighteenth in Spanish. It is known worldwide and has been celebrated each year since the declaration. The celebration shows the heart and determination of the people of Chile , and how hard they had to work in order to become a free nation. Joy and happiness sweeps over the country as the inhabitants recall what took place almost 200 years ago. (Castillo-Feliu 2000)

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Performance

On this national holiday, Chileans boisterously celebrate with parties, both public and private. The cueca, or national dance, is often performed, as well as eating ordinary foods as in any other day. The world-renowned Chilean wine is also used in order to add to the fun. Not only is this holiday celebrated on September 18 th , but also on the following day. There is a colorful parade held in Santiago 's main avenues to rejoice. Many families will travel throughout the country to witness this event. Most children will at least view this happening once in their lives. The Independence Day of Chile is celebrated worldwide, and it holds a sentimental value for all that participate. (Castillo-Feliu: 72)

Not only does this celebration commemorate the country's declaration of independence, but it also signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The Artifact below (See fig 4) is used in the celebration to signify new hope and a new life. It is a symbol for both the Independence Day and also the coming of the new season. (Especiales)

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Artifact

This fountain is located in Antofagasta and it symbolizes a new start in the celebration of Chile's Independence Day.

Couresy of:

http://www.puntolocal.cl/diciocho/actividades_antofagasta.htm

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Interpretation

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Prognosis for the Chilean Independence Day]

This great celebration has not and will not deteriorate over the years. Since it represents such a great event in history, the people will continue to celebrate it. It is celebrated all over the country by everyone. It is comparable to the United States ' celebration of the 4 th of July, it can never be forgotten. It is the celebration of the nation's independence, and citizens will continue to celebrate their freedom. (Castillo-Feliu 2000, 72)

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Conclusion

The reunited feeling aroused by this celebration helps to remember the freedom exercised by the Chilean community. It gives the country's inhabitants a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the liberties that were brought forth by their declaration of independence. It is this celebration that creates happiness and community within the people of Chile . The strength and unity of the country is seen in all of the joyous festivities.

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Internet References Cited

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Peer-Reviewed References Cited

    Bethell, Leslie
        1993      Chile Since Independence. Cambridge University Press. New York, New
                        York.

    Castillo-Feliu, Guillermo I.
        2000       Culture and Customs of Chile. Greenwood Press. Westport, Connecticut.

    Dorfman, Ariel and Marco Anotonio De La Parra
        1990       Chile From Within. W. W. Norton & Company. New York London.

    Dorson, Richard M.
                         Material Components in Celebration. pp. 33-56.

    Turner, Victor and Edith Turner.

                    Celebrations. pp. 201-218.

    Zanartu, Mario and John J. Kennedy
         1969       The Overall Development of Chile. University of Notre Dame Press.
                         Notre Dame, Indiana.

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