Chile's National Holiday (Fiestas Patrias)

On the 18th and 19th of September, Chile celebrates its National Holiday. The coming spring is anticipated by open-air ramadas -shelters with roofs made of tree branches-, and fondas, refreshment stands offering typical dishes, meat or cheese empanadas, chicha (type of cider) and red wine. Under the shelter of the ramadas, people dance cueca, the national dance of Chile. The Chilean flag is displayed on top of the houses and apartments. Children fly kites and play with marbles and spinning tops. They have hopscotch competitions and greased pole climbing contests. There are horse races, Chilean style -bareback, the rider holding onto the horse's mane- while rodeos are held in traditional rings. More information at: http://www.thisischile.cl/1747/2/370/...