Chile, a long, narrow country located on the southwestern coast of South America, is known for its geographic and cultural diversity. This diversity is reflected in the variety of fairs and festivals that are held throughout the year in different regions of the country. Fairs in Chile are important events that bring communities together, promote tourism and preserve cultural traditions.
January
Frutillar Customs Fair
The Frutillar Costumbrista Fair is held at the end of January in the Los Lagos Region. This event stands out for its focus on German culture, due to the significant influence of German immigrants in the area. The fair offers a variety of activities, including music, dance, typical cuisine and local crafts. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as kuchen, sauerkraut and German sausages, while delighting in the view of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno volcano.
Viña del Mar Festival
Although primarily known as a music festival, the Viña del Mar International Song Festival also has a fair that takes place in parallel to the musical event. Taking place in the last week of January and the first week of February, this festival attracts internationally renowned artists and visitors from all over the world. The associated fair offers a wide range of artisanal and gastronomic products, making it a cultural and commercial meeting point.
February
Andean Carnival with the Force of the Sun
This carnival takes place in Arica, a city in the far north of Chile, and is one of the most important cultural events in the country. Held in early February, the Carnaval Andino con la Fuerza del Sol is a vibrant manifestation of Andean culture, with traditional dances, music and colorful parades. The comparsas, dance groups representing different communities, participate in competitions that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage.
Colchagua Harvest Festival
At the end of February and beginning of March, in the wine-growing region of Colchagua, the Harvest Festival is celebrated. This event is a celebration of grape harvesting and wine production, including local wine tastings, parades, live music, and grape stomping contests. The fair highlights the importance of the wine industry in Chile and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the quality of Chilean wines.
March
Expo Quillota
Expo Quillota takes place in the Valparaíso Region during the first half of March. It is an agricultural and livestock fair that brings together local producers, artisans and merchants. The event includes exhibitions of animals, agricultural machinery, artisan products and a varied gastronomic offer. In addition, there are recreational and cultural activities for the whole family, such as live shows and rides.
Curicó Harvest Festival
Another notable harvest celebration is the Curicó Harvest Festival, which is celebrated in mid-March. This event, similar to the one in Colchagua, celebrates the grape harvest and wine production in the region. The fair offers wine tastings, traditional food, live music and cultural activities. It is an excellent opportunity for wine lovers to explore and enjoy Chile's rich wine tradition.
April
Santiago Book Fair
The Santiago International Book Fair, known as FILSA, is held annually at the Estación Mapocho Cultural Center during April. This event is one of the most important in the literary field of Chile and Latin America. The fair brings together authors, editors, booksellers and readers in a space where book presentations, talks, workshops and cultural activities are held. It is a unique opportunity to learn about the latest literary news and participate in an environment of cultural exchange.
Castro Customs Fair
On the island of Chiloé, the Castro Costumbrista Fair is held during the first week of April. This event is a sample of the rich Chilote culture, with activities that include traditional dances, folk music, typical gastronomy and exhibitions of local crafts. Visitors can enjoy dishes such as curanto, a traditional stew prepared in a hole in the ground, and learn about the customs and traditions of this island region.
May
Puerto Montt Sea Fair
In mid-May, the Sea Fair is held in the city of Puerto Montt. This event highlights the importance of the fishing and aquaculture industry in the Los Lagos region. The fair offers a wide variety of seafood, including fish, shellfish and seaweed, as well as typical dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. In addition, there are cultural activities, such as folk music concerts and exhibitions on the history and development of the fishing industry in the area.
Saint Bernard Fair
The San Bernardo Fair, which takes place at the end of May in the Metropolitan Region, is one of the oldest fairs in Chile. This event has a strong focus on Chilean tradition and popular culture, with presentations of folk music, traditional dances, crafts and typical gastronomy. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about and enjoy the cultural traditions of Chile in a festive and family atmosphere.
June
Valdivia Art and Culture Fair
In the city of Valdivia, at the beginning of June, the Art and Culture Fair is held. This event brings together artists, artisans and creators from different disciplines in a space where exhibitions, workshops and cultural activities are held. The fair is a platform for the promotion of local art and culture, and offers visitors the opportunity to discover and purchase unique works of art and craft products.
Feast of Saint Peter
At the end of June, in various coastal towns in Chile, the Festival of San Pedro, the patron saint of fishermen, is celebrated. This festival is especially significant in cities such as Valparaíso, Coquimbo and Talcahuano. The celebration includes maritime processions, masses and cultural activities. In Valparaíso, for example, the boats are decorated and go out to sea in a colorful procession in honor of San Pedro. The associated fair offers seafood and typical gastronomy.
July
San Bernardo Folklore Fair
During the first fortnight of July, San Bernardo celebrates its Folklore Fair. This event is an important meeting point for lovers of traditional Chilean music and dance. The fair includes presentations by folk groups, cueca competitions and dance workshops. In addition, there is an exhibition of typical crafts and gastronomy, which allows visitors to immerse themselves in Chilean popular culture.
Patagonia Expo
In mid-July, in the city of Punta Arenas, the Patagonia Expo takes place. This event highlights the culture and economy of the southern region of Chile. The fair includes exhibitions of local products, such as wool, wood and crafts, as well as samples of typical Patagonian gastronomy. There are also cultural activities, such as traditional music and dance performances, that reflect the rich cultural heritage of this region.
August
Huaso de Olmué Fair
In the town of Olmué, in the Valparaíso Region, the Huaso Fair is held during the first week of August. This event is a celebration of Chilean rural culture, with activities that include rodeo, taming, folk music and typical gastronomy. The fair is a tribute to the figure of the huaso, the Chilean peasant, and offers an opportunity to learn about and enjoy the country's rural traditions.
Santiago International Contemporary Art Fair
At the end of August, Santiago hosts the International Contemporary Art Fair (FIA). This event brings together galleries, artists and collectors from all over the world in a space dedicated to contemporary art. The fair includes exhibitions, conferences and educational activities, and is an important platform for the promotion and exchange of ideas in the world of contemporary art.
September
National Holidays and Ramadas
The National Holidays of Chile, which are celebrated on September 18 and 19, are one of the most important festivities in the country. During this period, numerous "ramadas" or "fondas" are set up throughout the country, where activities such as dances, typical games and tastings of traditional Chilean food are carried out. In Santiago, Parque O Higgins is one of the main celebration points, with a large fair that includes folk music performances, rodeo and recreational activities.
Pomaire International Craft Fair
Pomaire, a town famous for its ceramics, holds its International Crafts Fair in mid-September. This event brings together artisans from different parts of Chile and abroad, who exhibit and sell their products. The fair is an excellent opportunity to learn about and acquire unique ceramic pieces, in addition to enjoying local cuisine and cultural activities.
October
Raw Material Expo
At the beginning of October, in Santiago, the Expo Materia Prima is held, a fair dedicated to crafts and the art of DIY (Do It Yourself). This event brings together exhibitors who offer materials, tools and workshops for creating crafts. The fair is a meeting point for hobbyists and professionals in the world of DIY, and offers a wide range of products and activities for all tastes.
International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE)
The International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) is held every two years in Santiago, generally at the end of October. This event is one of the most important of its kind in Latin America, and brings together exhibitors from the aerospace, defense and security industries. The show includes aircraft displays, air demonstrations and conferences, and attracts professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.
November
Pulsar Fair
The Pulsar Fair, held in mid-November in Santiago, is one of the most important events for independent music in Chile. The fair brings together musicians, record labels, producers and fans in a space dedicated to the promotion of independent music. It includes concerts, talks, workshops and a record and merchandising fair. It is an excellent opportunity to discover new talents and enjoy the musical diversity of Chile.
Valparaíso International Book Fair
At the end of November, Valparaíso hosts its International Book Fair. This literary event brings together authors, editors, booksellers and readers in an environment of cultural exchange and promotion of reading. The fair includes book presentations, talks, workshops and activities for children, and is an important platform for the dissemination of Chilean and international literature.
December
Bustamante Park Christmas Fair
During the entire month of December, in Santiago, the Bustamante Park Christmas Fair is set up. This event is an excellent opportunity to do Christmas shopping, with a wide variety of handmade products, clothing, toys and decorations. The fair also offers recreational and cultural activities for the whole family, such as concerts, workshops and live shows.
Providencia Christmas Fair Expo
Another notable Christmas fair in Santiago is the Providencia Christmas Fair Expo, which is held during the first half of December. This event brings together artisans and merchants who offer products ideal for Christmas gifts. The fair also includes cultural and recreational activities, creating a festive and family atmosphere.
Fairs in Chile are a vibrant expression of the country's cultural and regional diversity. From agricultural and livestock fairs to events dedicated to art, music and literature, these celebrations offer a unique opportunity to learn about and enjoy Chile's rich cultural heritage. Throughout the year, from north to south, each fair brings its own color and flavor, helping to strengthen the sense of community and promote tourism in the country. So, if you have the opportunity to visit Chile, be sure to include one of these fairs in your itinerary and immerse yourself in Chilean culture and traditions.