Calendar of festivities in Chile

Chile is a country rich in traditions and festivities throughout the year. From religious celebrations to cultural and popular festivities, Chile has a wide variety of festivities that reflect the rich diversity of its culture and people. From January to December, each month has its own celebrations, from the Rapa Nui Carnival in February to Christmas and New Years in December. These festivities reflect the history, religion, and folk traditions of Chile, and are an opportunity for people to celebrate together, share their cultures, and unite in diversity.

Below we bring you the calendar of festivities and parties in Chile month by month:

January:

New Year: January 1 marks the New Year with festivities and fireworks displays in many cities across the country.

Three Kings Day: Three Kings Day is celebrated on January 6 with parades and religious activities in some towns.

Beer Festival in Valdivia: During the second week of January, the Beer Festival is held in Valdivia, attracting thousands of people who enjoy live music, food and craft beer.

Milk and Meat Festival in Osorno: Also in the second week of January, the Milk and Meat Festival is celebrated in Osorno, which highlights the agricultural production of the area and has activities such as rodeos and typical food tastings.

Fiesta de San Sebastián in Yumbel: On January 20, the Fiesta de San Sebastián is celebrated in Yumbel, one of the most important religious festivities in the country, which attracts thousands of pilgrims who go to pay homage to the patron saint.

February:

Carnival: Although Carnival is celebrated on different dates throughout the country, it usually occurs in February. The cities of Valparaíso and Arica are especially known for their Carnival festivals.

Valentine's Day: February 14 is Valentine's Day, also known as Valentine's Day. Many couples celebrate this day with romantic dinners and gifts.

Harvest Festival: In some regions of the country, February is the grape harvest month, and festivals are held that highlight the production of wine and other grape-related products.

Olmué Huaso Festival: At the end of February, the Olmué Huaso Festival is celebrated, which highlights Chilean culture and features music, dance and other traditional activities.

March

International Women's Day: International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8, with marches and demonstrations promoting gender equality and women's rights.

Day of Remembrance and Solidarity with the Victims of the Coup d'état: March 11 commemorates the coup that took place in Chile in 1973. Activities and ceremonies are held to remember the victims and promote solidarity with their families and beloved.

Anniversary of the City of Santiago: The anniversary of the founding of the city of Santiago is celebrated on March 12, with cultural activities and festivals that highlight the history and culture of the city.

Holy Week: Holy Week is a religious holiday that is celebrated throughout the country, with processions and activities in many cities and towns.

Day of the Young Combatant: The Day of the Young Combatant is celebrated on March 29, in commemoration of the young people who lost their lives during demonstrations in the 1980s. Activities are carried out in their memory and to promote social justice.

April

Youth Day: Youth Day is celebrated on April 5, in which various activities are carried out, such as concerts, festivals and sports activities.

Good Friday: Good Friday is a religious holiday that is celebrated throughout the country, with processions and activities in many cities and towns.

Cultural Heritage Day: The last weekend of April is celebrated as Cultural Heritage Day, in which the doors of historical buildings and places are opened so that people can visit them and learn more about the culture and history of the country.

Anniversary of the Coup d'état: April 11 marks the anniversary of the 1973 coup, with various activities to remember the victims of the military dictatorship and to promote justice and historical truth.

International Earth Day: International Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, with activities that promote the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources.

May

Labor Day: Labor Day is celebrated on May 1, a national holiday in Chile dedicated to the celebration and claim of labor rights.

Mother's Day: Mother's Day is celebrated in Chile on the second Sunday of May, with the delivery of gifts and cards by children and relatives.

Day of Naval Glories: On May 21, the Day of Naval Glories is celebrated, in commemoration of the naval victory in the Battle of Iquique, in 1879, during the War of the Pacific.

Anniversary of the Independence of Chile: On May 25 the anniversary of the First National Government Junta is celebrated, which marked the beginning of the process of independence of Chile.

Santiago International Book Fair: At the end of May and beginning of June the Santiago International Book Fair is held, in which cultural activities, book presentations and autograph signings are carried out.

June

Father's Day: Father's Day is celebrated in Chile on the third Sunday of June, with the delivery of gifts and cards by children and relatives.

Corpus Christi: This religious festival is celebrated on the ninth Thursday after Easter Sunday and commemorates the Eucharist and the presence of Christ in the Consecrated Host.

Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul: On June 29 the feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, patron saints of fishermen, is celebrated. In various coastal towns, celebrations are held with processions and activities in honor of the saints.

Inti Raymi: In the north of Chile, in the region of Arica and Parinacota, Inti Raymi is celebrated, a festivity in honor of the winter solstice that takes place on June 21. Various cultural activities are carried out, such as dances and ceremonies, which highlight Andean traditions.

Valparaíso Book Fair: The Valparaíso Book Fair is held in mid-June, a literary event that brings together authors and publishers from all over the country.

July

Day of the Virgen del Carmen: On July 16, the Day of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of Chile, is celebrated. In various locations in the country, processions and activities are held in honor of the Virgin.

Pachamama Day: In the north of Chile, in the region of Arica and Parinacota, Pachamama Day is celebrated, a festivity in honor of Mother Earth. Various cultural activities are carried out, such as dances and ceremonies, which highlight Andean traditions.

Anniversary of the death of the Liberator Bernardo O'Higgins: On July 24, the death of the hero of the independence of Chile, Bernardo O'Higgins, is commemorated.

Viña del Mar Song Festival: At the end of July, the Viña del Mar Song Festival is held, one of the most important musical events in the country. National and international artists are presented in a musical competition.

Day of the Original Peoples: On July 24, the Day of the Original Peoples is celebrated in Chile, in recognition of the cultural and ethnic diversity of the country.

August

Day of the Assumption of the Virgin: On August 15, the Day of the Assumption of the Virgin is celebrated, a religious festivity in which the elevation to heaven of the Virgin Mary is commemorated.

Children's Day: Children's Day is celebrated in Chile on the second Sunday of August, with activities and gifts for the little ones.

Solidarity Day: On August 31, Solidarity Day is celebrated in Chile, in recognition of the importance of mutual aid and cooperation in society.

Chileanness Week: At the end of August, Chileanness Week is celebrated, a festivity that seeks to rescue and promote the traditions and customs of the country. Various cultural activities are carried out, such as dances, music and gastronomy, which highlight the national identity.

September

Fatherland Day: On September 18, the Fatherland Day is celebrated in Chile, commemorating the beginning of the country's independence process. During this festivity, various activities are carried out throughout the country, such as fondas, ramadas, parades, dances and typical foods, among others.

Harvest Festival: During the month of September, in various locations in the country, the Harvest Festival is celebrated, a festival that highlights the production of wines and liquors in Chile. Various activities related to the harvest are carried out, such as the treading of grapes, wine tastings and typical foods.

National Film Day: National Film Day is celebrated in Chile on September 15, in recognition of the importance of the country's film industry. During this day, Chilean films are shown in various movie theaters.

International Day of Peace: On September 21, the International Day of Peace is celebrated throughout the world, and Chile is no exception. Various activities related to peace, non-violence and reconciliation are carried out.

October

Day of Cultures: On October 12, the Day of Cultures is celebrated in Chile, in commemoration of the meeting between two worlds, the European and the American. During this festivity, various cultural activities are carried out that highlight the richness and diversity of Chilean culture.

National Day of the Cuequero: On October 14, the National Day of the Cuequero is celebrated, in honor of the national dance of Chile. During this festivity, various events and cueca competitions are held, as well as the artists who have contributed to the dissemination of this traditional dance.

Halloween: Although it is not a traditional Chilean holiday, in recent years the celebration of Halloween has gained popularity in the country, especially among young people. During the night of October 31, various activities such as costumes, theme parties and decoration of homes and businesses are carried out.

November

All Saints' Day: All Saints' Day is celebrated in Chile on November 1, in honor of the saints and deceased. During this day, many people visit cemeteries to honor their deceased loved ones, and it is common to see cemeteries adorned with flowers and candles.

Day of the Dead: Although it is not a traditional Chilean holiday, some communities and towns in the north of the country celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 2. During this festivity various activities are carried out, such as food and drink offerings, music and dance.

Santiago International Book Fair: During the month of November, the Santiago International Book Fair is held, one of the most important cultural events in the country. During the fair, editorial novelties are presented, meetings with writers are held and cultural activities are offered for all audiences.

Public Education Day: November 27 is celebrated as Public Education Day in Chile, in recognition of the importance of public education and the social struggles for its universal and free access. During this day, various activities and demonstrations are carried out throughout the country in defense of public education.

December

The Immaculate Conception: On December 8, the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is celebrated, a very important religious festival in Chile. On this day, many people attend mass and processions are held in honor of the Virgin.

Christmas: Christmas is one of the most important festivities in Chile, which is celebrated on December 24 and 25. During these dates, many people gather with their families and friends to share a special dinner and open gifts. In various cities across the country, public events and light and music shows are held to celebrate Christmas.

New Year: On December 31, the arrival of the New Year is celebrated in Chile. It is a festivity in which people gather to celebrate and make wishes for the new year that is beginning. In some cities, public fireworks displays are held to welcome in the New Year.

April Fool's Day: April 28 is celebrated as April Fool's Day in Chile, a holiday that resembles the Day of the Innocent Saints in other Spanish-speaking countries. During this day, jokes and innocent jokes are made between friends and family.