Chile is a country characterized by its cultural and religious diversity. Although Catholicism has historically been the predominant religion, in recent decades there has been a significant growth of various non-Catholic religious communities.
January
Chinese New Year (February 10)
Although not strictly a religious holiday, Chinese New Year is an important celebration for the Chinese community in Chile. It marks the beginning of the lunar year and is a time to gather with family, enjoy special foods, and participate in traditional parades and dances, such as the dragon dance and lion dance.
March
Naw Ruz (March 20)
Naw Ruz is the Bahá'í New Year and marks the first day of spring. This holiday is celebrated by the Bahá'í community in Chile with community meetings, prayer and reflection. It is a time to renew spiritually and celebrate the unity of humanity.
April
Orthodox Easter (April 8)
Orthodox Easter is one of the most important holidays for Orthodox Christian communities in Chile, such as the Greek Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church. The celebration includes the Easter Vigil, in which candles are lit and processions take place. The date of this festival varies each year, since it is based on the Julian calendar.
Ramadan (April 10 to May 9)
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, during which fasting is carried out from sunrise to sunset. The Muslim community in Chile observes this month with prayer, reflection and acts of charity. Ramadan culminates with the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration that includes special prayers and festive foods.
May
Vesak (May 23)
Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, is an important holiday for the Buddhist community in Chile. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. The celebration includes temple ceremonies, meditation and acts of generosity. It is a time to reflect on Buddha's teachings and practice compassion.
June
Shavuot (June 12)
Shavuot is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The Jewish community in Chile celebrates Shavuot with Torah readings, religious services, and special meals, which often include dairy products. It is an occasion to renew commitment to the teachings and commandments of the Torah.
July
Eid al-Adha (July 18)
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is an important holiday for Muslims in Chile. It commemorates Ibrahim's (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The celebration includes special prayers and the sacrifice of an animal, the meat of which is distributed among family, friends and people in need.
September
Rosh Hashanah (September 2)
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and marks the beginning of the Days of Penance. The Jewish community in Chile celebrates this holiday with special prayers, the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn), and festive foods that include apples and honey, symbolizing a sweet new year.
Yom Kippur (September 11)
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred holiday in the Jewish calendar. It is a day of fasting, prayer and repentance. The Jewish community in Chile gathers in synagogues for religious services that include the reading of the Book of Jonah and the recitation of the Vidui (confession of sins).
October
Sukkot (October 16)
Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the 40 years of the Israelites' pilgrimage in the desert. The Jewish community in Chile celebrates Sukkot by building cabins (sukkot) and having meals inside, symbolizing fragility and divine protection.
November
Diwali (November 1)
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important holiday for the Hindu community in Chile. Celebrate the victory of good over evil and spiritual enlightenment. Celebrations include lighting oil lamps, performing prayers, and sharing sweets and festive foods with family and friends.
Guru Nanak Gurpurab (November 15)
Guru Nanak Gurpurab commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The Sikh community in Chile celebrates this holiday with prayers, devotional songs and processions. It is an occasion to reflect on the teachings of Guru Nanak and practice generosity and service to others.
December
Hanukkah (December 22-30)
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The Jewish community in Chile celebrates Hanukkah by lighting a candle in the menorah each night for eight days, reciting prayers and enjoying traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes).
Chile is a country with a rich religious diversity that is reflected in the variety of festivities celebrated throughout the year. These festivities are not only important to the communities that celebrate them, but they also enrich the culture and mutual understanding in the country. By knowing and respecting these festivities, an environment of inclusion and diversity is fostered that benefits the entire Chilean society.