During the end of the 18 th Century and the beginning of the 19 th Century, Spain controlled many territories including Chile . It was also beginning to mark large losses in Spain 's empire. Chile was able to fight against Spain and declare its freedom in 1810 and around the same time Spain lost other territories such as Florida to America . It is clear that Spain was losing its dominance, but none the less it was a great moral victory for Chile . The people of the country had come together to fight the evil empire and overpower their rule of colonialism. (Zanartu 1969)
“Within fifteen years of independence Chilean politicians were constructing a system of constitutional government which was to prove remarkable for its durability and adaptability.” (Bethell 1993: 1) The triumph propelled the nation into believing that they could run their own country and they did. It is very clear why they celebrate the moral victory that won their independence. It creates a since of togetherness and creates a bond between the entire society.
“Rituals celebrate or commemorate transhuman powers which, though invisible, are regarded by believers as the first and final causes of natural and cultural phenomena.” (Turner: 201) The Chilean Independence Day is a time when the entire population of Chile is able to celebrate and remember their win so long ago. It is a cultural phenomena when such a large group of people can come together to celebrate an event that happened almost two hundred years ago. (Turner)
Dieciocho, as it is called in Chile , is celebrated on September 18 th and 19 th . During which secret and open parties are thrown and a joy is spread across the country. It is so important that the National military marches in a parade on the 19 th . It commemorates the soldiers that fought for the freedom in 1810. (Castillo-Feliu) During these two days, all three of Arnold Van Gennep's rites of passage are completed.
The first stage of separation or preliminality is completed on the first day. The preliminal stage is one where a member of a tribe is removed from the whole of the group and sent off to adapt to the next stage of life. (Turner) The first day is full of closed parties and food and wine. It is a day where individuals reflect on what the celebration means to them. A small group is like an individual compared to the rest of society. Each person is set off to understand what it means to be a part of the country and remember what their country stands for.
The second stage is the margin or liminal stage. It is the point in between where a member has been sent off from the tribe and before he has reached the next stage. (Turner) Between the two-day celebration, there is a time for sleep and rest. This is compared to the liminal stage because each individual is apart from the group. He/she has not re-entered society yet, and feels farthest apart from their family and friends. This period of sleep and docility creates peace in the mind, and prepares the person for the next stage.
The last stage is the reaggregation or the postliminal stage. The person is reunited with the group and has reached the next stage of their life. This is a time of rejoicing and it also marks the time when one must begin to assume responsibility. (Turner) The second day of Dieciocho marks the time when the people come together again. The parade is the time of the celebration when the entire community can come together and mark each person's re-entry into society. The parade also means that this is the last day before responsibility begins. It is the responsibility of work and jobs, but also the responsibility of maintaining the country that those before you worked so hard to free.
This very important holiday is able to create all three stages of “Les Rites de Passage.” It is recognized as being the most celebrated and decorative two-day event in the Chilean year. Just like the Independence Day of any other country, its commemoration brings joy to everyone that celebrates it. Not only this, but it helps people to understand the struggles that their nation has went through to become what it is today. Remembrance of times when a nation comes together always uplifts the hearts and minds of those that are grateful. It is the grateful people of a nation that help to keep a country together. (Dorson)