Chile Forum

Sept 18th is the Chilean Independence day. I thought we should open a thread to find out what the members are planning, and also help educate the people that do not know about what goes on around Chile on the 18th.

It looks like I am going to Isla de Maipo about 40 mins from Santiago to spend it with my wife's family again.

Last year was the big asado, lots of drinks, and everyone but me flying kites in the backyard. I say everyone but me because for some reason last year the wind would not take my kite. I spent a good 3 hours entertaining the entire family trying to get my kite to fly. So, this year I am hoping for a little wind to redeem myself.

We are planning to document all the town events this year, and we will post photos and information. Well, that is if the celebration does not catch up to us before we run out space on the digital camera.

Lucky you! I haven't celebrated the Independence Day for 37 years therefore count your blessings with 2 whole days of celebrations, drinking (whatever) eating the "mother" of all asados and watching others in the nearest "fondas" dancing without care in the world.That's what I call the good living!........and here I'm, listening about corruption, degenerates in congress, threats of all kinds, murders, kidnapings and that's to name a few things in a country totally in disarray and out of balance....needless to say that in this very moment I'm kicking my ass big time for my decisions..WHAT WAS I THINKING!!

Just 2 whole days. Since I came to Chile, I have never seen it last just two days.

Notice this year it falls on Tuesday I believe, and that means the whole week is shot as far as getting anything done in Chile.

But that's what Chile is all about! Relax, have a good time celebrating the independence, get to see the parade, wave the chilean flag, drink and be merry, after all life is way too short.This will be my last year w/o celebrating because I'm coming home....YOOHOO!

Yeah for Gloria, hurry home girl!
I hope you all have fireworks down there. What's an independence day w/o fireworks. Having celebrated most of our Independence days with fireworks and fighter jets flying over head, I do say that we like our independence days. As to celebrating freedom from Spanish Crown, how much different can be from getting rid of a British one. Unless of course the Queen Mum shows up in Washington, and then the press seems to just want to fawn over her and heirs. If we so easily forget the past, then we readily repeat it.

So, fireworks? yes/no? I don't suppose I am likely to find as many firework outlets as I do in the US. G out.

I won't be celebrating this year, but the next one...YES I WILL..YES I WILL!! I'M COMING HOME!! I don't know about fireworks but several glasses of wine, dancing "cueca" until your pants falls off and eating as many "empanadas" as you can for sure will create something

Saw a large Chilean flag unfurled yesterday outside a local pub. And as its now the 1st of September will probably see more popping up all over town in the coming days.

One of the local supermarkets has been selling chicha granel as of last week. Am already on my fourth liter. Stuff is cheaper and more potent than beer.

In recent days, I've heard the marching band at a nearby private school finessing their performance in tune with their independence day.

As prices are perceived to go up for the holiday, I've already got the ingredients to make the empanadas; the longaniza ahumada hanging on the line in my kitchen; prietas; pulpa cerdo ... since my investments did not return as much this past year, might have to cut out the carne though huachalomo from Argentina is still running for a reasonable 2.800/kilo ... oh well, maybe get some pollo ... and more chicha, vino, pisco, azucar polvo, harina tostada, etc., and a final veggie run to the weekly feria a block and half away.

The weather on this part of the coast the past week has been fantastic. The temps slowly moving up. Spring is not too far away ... hopefully lower prices for fruits and veggies are on the way.

Salud

OMG!!!! Do I need to hear more???? Go ahead, don't hold nothing back.You really know how to make someone feel good!!! OMG! I need some Prozac!

The Chilean flags are being put on all the lamp posts on mainstreet in Pirque and many taxis have flags too. The neighbor across the road is selling various things in preparation for the big asados he will throw and we're invited all week. The guys have been practicing for the big rodeo too and we often see the neighbors practicing the sidestepping run that Chilean horses do. Yes, spring is here and the marching bands have been practicing outside the school.

I have been told that meat goes up in price before the 18th every year. However, Jumbo circulars/sales are being handed out on the corners so that could change.

Waaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! I'll cry myself to sleep!!!

Ok guys, for all those gringos in Chile, it's time for you to hide the american flag and raise high at the top the chilean and also start practicing the national anthem....Puro Chile es tu cielo azuladoooooooooo...... Get those fangs ready for that "äsado".El "18" esta casi aqui!!!
VIVA CHILE MIERRRRRRRRR............MOSA PATRIA!!

Hey Charles,
A tip on kite flying, get a cheap (or old) fishing rod with a reel full of monofilament line and tie your kite to that. My daughter thought she was a rockstar at age 7 sending her kite up the full 100 yards of line. It makes keeping the line confined easy too

I can just see my in laws rolling on the grass in the backyard, if I show up with a super Gringo kite this year.

Which is not a bad idea. They already think I can't fly a traditional Chilean kite because I am a Gringo.

Fair notice to anyone trying to get anything done in Chile over the holiday, just about every office we contact now in Chile has given us the "...but after the 18th..." response.

So, the holiday is really 2 days.

everyone is likly taking the whole week off, plus the weekend.

Then everyone a week in advance is starting to plan for the holiday, and they do not want to commit to big projects or tasks that might not get done before the holiday.

A week after the holiday, everyone will be still recovering and getting settled back in plus they will be two weeks behind in paperwork.

So, basically Chile has shut down for the rest of the month of Sept.

We are trying to explain to clients that just because we are working during this period does not mean Chile is working.

That's what I call a celebration!!