Golden Week in September in Chile! How to spend 18 (Dieciocho)
Hi there, it's Minami.
Chile has a celebration on September 18 called 18 (Dieciocho).
Everyone in Chile loves Dieciocho!
Please read on, especially if you will be in Chile in September and would like to know more about Chilean festivals.
Table of Contents
What is 18 (Dieciocho)?Independence Day in Chile
18 is about a week-long national holiday to celebrate Chile's Independence Day. It is a national holiday.
It seems that this celebration date is based on the fact that the government did not actually become independent on September 18, but rather gathered on September 18. (the so-called "first congress").
The country actually became independent on February 18, 1818.
During this period, people living in Chile eat and drink as much as they can. Many families who normally lead a simple life may be inclined to celebrate this day in a big way.
In terms of length, it is like the Golden Week holidays, but in terms of importance, it is probably like the year-end and New Year holidays in Japan. (In Chile, a Catholic country, the order of importance is Independence Day, Christmas, and New Year's.)
Most economic institutions and businesses are closed during the period
During this period, all educational institutions, and businesses, should expect to take a break unless they are in the service industry.
The primary purpose of this vacation is to spend time together as a family, so don't make plans to go to the mall with your friends on this day, but rather have a party at home or go to a festival called Fonda, a festival unique to Dieciocho!
Yes, there are days when young people go out with just their friends, but that does not happen every day.
In Japan, the year-end and New Year's holidays are emphasized, and work is closed for a few days from New Year's Day, but in Chile, the Independence Day celebration is the most important, and work is usually closed for at least three days.
Please note that the calendar can change from year to year.
Those who work in economic centers such as Santiago often travel abroad, while those who stay in the country may travel all the way from the central region to the south to meet with relatives.
Well, the one thing that all of them have in common is that they eat anyway. It is just like New Year's Day in Japan.
The average family parties at home! Asado (BBQ) empanadas!
There are many foods and beverages for celebration within Chile. Let's take a look.
Asado
If you have the chance to be invited by a friend to go, we hope you will enjoy ASADO.
The southern part of Latin America, including Chile, eats meat anyway.
Asado is a South American-style barbecue, often held at a riverside in Japan, but in Chile it is done at home.
So there are piles of charcoal on sale in supermarkets this time of year. Most houses also have barbecue stoves.
Incidentally, Chilean asado is done with charcoal, but in the neighboring country of Argentina, they seem to cook the meat with wood that still has the color of wood. (Even among Chileans, many honestly believe that Argentine asado is tastier.)
The meat we eat for the most part seems to come from Uruguay.
empanada
Empanadas are in a bun-like position, so there are different kinds of empanadas like amman, meat buns, and pizza buns.
It is usually a traditional dish eaten on this day, so we eat empanada de pino.
I made mine at home this year!
I hope you can make it in Japan, because these materials can be made in Japan!!!
By the way, the video I referred to is ↓.
EMPANADAS DE PINO. Receta infalible y deliciosa para disfrutar todo el año
It's better if you know Spanish, but even if you don't, with a translator you should be able to make the rest on your own once you know the ingredients!
I really recommend this recipe because I've made it and it's very tasty (it was the #1 best empanada I've ever had, including the ones from the store).
Terremoto
Terremoto is a colorful liquor. It's quite strong, so be careful not to get drunk. I love it.
See also this article for more information. ↓
Chicha
This may be the most minor of all Chilean drinks. But I see it quite a bit on these days.
Cheecha is a brown liquor that is very sweet. It is like a very sweet version of grape wine.
I personally don't have much of a sweet tooth, but I know some people like it.
Cheechea isn't usually sold, so try it once at 18 (dieciocho)!
playing
Independence Day is for kids and somewhat for adults? It is an opportunity to experience a unique play.
Trompo
I think the most major thing is to play with a volantin (kite) called a trompo.
You'll see them relatively on the beach, in wide open performances and where there's space!
Salto en saco or Carrera en saco
This is "bag flying".
It seems to be a custom for children to compete with each other in a bag. Maybe families with many children do this often?
Palo encebado
I have never seen this in person, but I have been told that it may be found in more rural areas, such as southern Chile.
The game is played by oiling a stick, suspending the winning prize like a tree branch person dal fruit at the top of the stick, and climbing toward it.
I don't think you will find them in the central city, so please look for them when you visit the countryside!
Rayuela
Rayuela (rajuera) is the Japanese word for kenkempa.
If you look at the roads during this period, they are often graffitied with Rayuela graffiti.
Let's go to Fonda for the festival!
If you haven't had a chance to visit a Chilean home. You can't eat asado even if you wanted to! Don't give up! Don't give up! There are festivals in Chile.
Not only in the capital city of Santiago, but of course in Valparaiso and in many other places, a festival site called a fonda is created.
It is a little larger than a summer festival in the countryside. People who have other professions usually get together, and each person has a stall and serves food. It is a festival like that of a Shinto shrine.
Chicha (chicha). I have to admit I don't like it much, too sweet, but if you're curious, ask if you can sample it!
If you are unexpectedly staying during Chile's Dieciocho season, why not go?
If you want, there is an event in Odaiba in Tokyo, Japan, around this time every year that brings together not only Chile but many other countries. You might be able to try some of what we have introduced here there?
You should definitely search for "Road to Latin America Festival" and go there as well (not at all connected to this blog, but just an introduction!)
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