Chile, with its rich cultural and geographic diversity, offers a variety of children's festivities throughout the year. These celebrations are not only moments of joy for children, but also strengthen cultural identity and social cohesion. Throughout 2024, different regions of the country will organize events ranging from traditional carnivals to educational fairs and artistic shows, offering children and their families unique opportunities to enjoy and learn.
January
Children's Festival in Santiago
Date: January 15
Location: OHiggins Park, Santiago
This festival offers a series of recreational and cultural activities, including art, theater, music and sports workshops. In addition, it has inflatable play areas and live shows for the entertainment of children.
Summer Carnival in Viña del Mar
Date: January 25
Location: Plaza Vergara, Viña del Mar
An event full of colors and joy where children can enjoy parades, floats, troupes and artistic activities. This carnival also includes face painting and craft workshops.
February
International Children and Youth Theater Festival
Date: February 10-20
Location: Valparaiso
A festival that brings together theater companies from all over the world, presenting works designed especially for children and adolescents. In addition to theatrical performances, interactive workshops are offered to encourage creativity and a love of the performing arts.
Children's Harvest Festival in Curicó
Date: February 25-27
Location: Plaza de Armas, Curicó
This event allows children to learn about and participate in the traditions of the grape harvest, with activities such as grape stomping, traditional games and grape juice tastings. There are also musical and theatrical shows for the whole family.
March
Children's Book Day
Date: March 2
Place: National Library, Santiago
A day dedicated to promoting reading among children, with activities such as storytelling, creative writing workshops and book presentations. There are also literary contests and meetings with children's authors.
Puppet Festival in La Serena
Date: March 15-20
Place: Municipal Theater of La Serena
An event that brings together national and international puppeteers, offering puppet performances and puppet creation workshops for children of all ages.
April
Science Week for Kids
Date: April 5-9
Location: Mirador Interactive Museum (MIM), Santiago
A week full of interactive scientific activities, including experiments, talks, and robotics and astronomy workshops. Ideal for awakening children's interest in science and technology.
Book and Rose Festival
Date: April 23
Location: Various bookstores and libraries in the country
Celebration of World Book Day with activities for children such as outdoor readings, book exchanges, and illustration workshops. The aim is to promote a love of reading and knowledge.
May
Children's Heritage Day
Date: May 26
Location: Various locations nationwide
A day dedicated to children discovering and appreciating the cultural heritage of Chile. Includes guided tours of museums, activities at historical sites, and educational workshops on Chilean history and culture.
Children's Film Festival in Valdivia
Date: May 1-5
Location: Cine Club, Universidad Austral de Chile
A festival that presents a selection of children's films and short films from around the world. In addition to the screenings, film and animation workshops are held for children.
June
San Juanito Festival in Chiloé
Date: June 23
Place: Dalcahue, Chiloé
Traditional celebration in which children participate in typical games, contests and folk dances. The festival includes tastings of traditional dishes and activities related to Chilote mythology.
Winter Solstice Festival in Punta Arenas
Date: June 21
Location: Plaza Muñoz Gamero, Punta Arenas
Celebrate the start of winter with outdoor activities such as snow games, snowman contests and light shows. In addition, there are craft workshops and typical cuisine of the region.
July
Winter holidays at the MIM
Date: July 8-22
Location: Mirador Interactive Museum (MIM), Santiago
During the winter holidays, the MIM offers special programming with scientific activities, interactive games and temporary exhibitions. Ideal for children to enjoy and learn during their free time.
Children's Winter Festival in Temuco
Date: July 15-20
Place: Temuco Cultural Center
A festival with a variety of recreational and cultural activities for children, including theatre, music, dance and creative workshops. The aim is to offer a space for fun and learning during the winter holidays.
August
Children's Day
Date: August 4
Location: All over the country
National celebration dedicated to children with special activities in parks, shopping centers, museums and public spaces. Includes games, shows, contests and gifts for the little ones.
Storytelling Festival in Antofagasta
Date: August 18-22
Location: Antofagasta Regional Library
An event that brings together storytellers from all over the country, offering storytelling sessions for children of all ages. In addition, storytelling and literary creation workshops are held.
September
Children's National Holidays
Date: September 10-18
Location: Various locations nationwide
Chilean Independence Day celebrations with activities specially designed for children, such as traditional games, kite competitions, folk dances and typical food tastings.
Spring Festival in Arica
Date: September 21-23
Location: Plaza Colón, Arica
Celebrating the arrival of spring with parades, floats, and outdoor activities. Includes gardening and ecology workshops for children, promoting love for nature.
October
Providencia Children's and Youth Book Fair
Date: October 12-16
Location: Balmaceda Park, Providencia
A fair dedicated to children's and youth literature, with book presentations, storytelling, illustration and writing workshops, and the presence of authors and publishers. An ideal space to encourage the habit of reading in young people.
Halloween in Fantasyland
Date: October 31
Location: Fantasilandia, Santiago
Halloween celebration in one of the largest amusement parks in Chile, with themed decorations, special shows and costume contests. Children can enjoy the games and attractions in a festive and safe environment.
November
Children's Theater Festival in Concepción
Date: November 5-10
Place: Universidad de Concepción Theater
An event featuring a variety of plays designed for children, including puppetry, shadow play and musicals. Acting and artistic expression workshops are also offered.
Science and Technology Fair for Children
Date: November 20-24
Location: Mapocho Station, Santiago
A fair that seeks to bring science and technology to children through interactive exhibits, practical workshops and scientific demonstrations. Ideal to awaken curiosity and interest in knowledge.
December
Christmas Festival in Valparaíso
Date: December 15-24
Location: Plaza Sotomayor, Valparaíso
Celebrate Christmas with a series of activities for children, including concerts, open-air theatre, craft workshops and a Christmas market. There are also carol contests and the traditional visit of Santa Claus.
Children's New Year's Party in Iquique
Date: December 31
Location: Cavancha Beach, Iquique
Farewell to the year with a special celebration for children, including games, live music, fireworks shows and recreational activities on the beach. A family event to welcome the new year with joy and hope.
These festivities are not only moments of entertainment, but also play a crucial role in the formation of cultural identity and the comprehensive development of children, strengthening family and community ties.