2026 is shaping up to be a vibrant year for Chilean culture, with dozens of festivals, fairs, and celebrations showcasing music, art, gastronomy, and traditions. From the arid north to the landscapes of the south, the country offers a diverse cultural agenda that reflects its mestizo, indigenous, and contemporary identity.
Over the past decade, Chile has established a robust calendar of cultural events that attracts both domestic and international tourists. At CalendarioChile.com, you can also find articles about national holidays, celebrations, and anniversaries that complement this guide for planning cultural trips.
Prominent cultural festivals in northern Chile
Carnival of Oruro in Arica and Parinacota
The Andean Carnival with the Strength of the Sun , held in January or February , is one of the most vibrant celebrations in northern Chile. It brings together more than 10,000 dancers and musicians from Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, who fill the streets of Arica with color through traditional dances such as the morenada, tinku, and caporales.
This event reflects the deep Andean and Afro-descendant heritage of the north, and is also a tourist engine that drives trade and regional identity.
La Tirana Festival in Tarapacá
Every July 16th , the town of La Tirana , in the Tarapacá Desert, becomes a place of pilgrimage and celebration. Thousands of faithful and visitors arrive to celebrate the Virgin of Carmen , patron saint of Chile, with religious dances, masks, and brass band music.
La Tirana combines spirituality, culture, and spectacle in a unique atmosphere. It is one of the largest religious festivals in South America .
Antofagasta Book Fair
In March, Antofagasta hosts its traditional International Book Fair , which in 2026 plans an edition focused on digital reading and Latin American literature. Publishers, writers, and visual artists participate, making the event a meeting point for northern Chilean culture.
Festivals and fairs in central Chile
Wine Harvest Festival in the Colchagua Valley
The grape harvest festivals are a classic in the central region. In March, the Colchagua Valley (O'Higgins Region) dresses up to celebrate Chilean wine with tastings, live music, and displays of local crafts.
In recent years, the grape harvest has evolved into a sustainable tourism experience , integrating local gastronomy, guided tours and family activities.
You can also read our article about the Wine Route in Chile at CalendarioChile.com/blog , ideal for those who want to explore the vineyards during these dates.
Santiago a Mil International Theatre Festival
Every January, Santiago transforms into a grand stage with the Santiago a Mil International Festival , one of the most important performing arts events in Latin America.
Theater, dance, music, and urban performances take over the streets and venues, featuring artists from more than 20 countries. The 2026 edition is expected to have a strong presence of national and Latin American artists, in addition to free activities in outlying neighborhoods.
Pulsar Fair and emerging Chilean music
The Pulsar Fair , organized by the SCD, has established itself as a key event for Chilean music. In November 2026, the Estación Mapocho Cultural Center will bring together artists, labels, producers, and fans of independent music.
It's an unmissable event to discover new national talents and musical trends.
Southern Chile: Between Tradition and Nature
Valdivian Week
During February, Valdivia Week celebrates the city's anniversary with nautical parades, concerts, and a large gastronomic exhibition on the banks of the Calle-Calle River.
Its parade of illuminated boats is a unique postcard image of southern Chile and attracts thousands of domestic tourists every year.
These types of celebrations can be combined with tourist routes through the Valdivian Rainforest and the southern lakes, as we recommend in our tourism articles on CalendarioChile.com/blog .
Castro Folk Festival
The Castro Folk Festival , on the island of Chiloé, takes place in February and brings together typical gastronomy, folk music and craft exhibitions.
It is a cultural experience that connects with the identity of Chiloé , recognized for its mythology, stilt house architecture and gastronomy with products from the sea and the land.
Southern International Fair in Puerto Montt
Between October and November, Puerto Montt celebrates its International Fair of the South (FISUR) , one of the largest in Chile in the agricultural, livestock and cultural fields.
In addition to product displays, it includes folk performances, traditional cuisine, and family activities. A revamped edition with an emphasis on rural sustainability is expected in 2026.
Fairs and celebrations in the northern and south-central areas
Pampilla Festival in Coquimbo
Every September 18th , thousands of people celebrate the National Holidays in La Pampilla de Coquimbo , one of the most emblematic traditions of the country.
The event includes food stalls, concerts, traditional games, and food fairs. It's a popular gathering place that embodies the spirit of Chilean festivities .
Valparaíso Jazz Festival
In the port of Valparaíso, the International Jazz Festival takes place in January with the participation of Chilean and international musicians.
The city, with its UNESCO heritage, offers the perfect setting to enjoy this artistic encounter.
Valparaíso also hosts other cultural activities, such as the Recovered Film Festival and the Arts Festival , consolidating its image as the cultural capital of the country.
Literary, artistic and gastronomic fairs of 2026
Santiago International Book Fair (FILSA)
FILSA is the largest literary event in Chile. It is held every October at the Estación Mapocho Cultural Center, bringing together writers, publishers, readers, and media.
The 2026 edition is planned to focus on digital literature and Latin American narratives , as well as tributes to contemporary Chilean authors.
Popular Art Fair in Rancagua
This fair, organized in September, brings together artisans from all over the country, with an emphasis on the preservation of cultural heritage.
Wood, ceramics, textiles, leather and goldsmithing are exhibited alongside workshops for the public, positioning itself as a key space for cultural education and sustainability .
Mexican Song Festival in María Pinto
In the Metropolitan Region, the Mexican Song Festival celebrates the cultural exchange between Chile and Mexico, with the participation of mariachis and folk groups.
An event that showcases Chile's cultural diversity and its openness to international influences.
Cultural trends and tourism in 2026
The rise of cultural tourism in Chile is linked to people's desire for authentic experiences rooted in local identity . Fairs and festivals serve as a bridge between tradition and innovation, showcasing the country's diversity.
According to the National Tourism Service, cultural and event tourism has grown by more than 20% in recent years. This trend is expected to continue through 2026, driven by:
Greater national and international air connectivity.
Support for cultural and municipal development programs.
Growing interest in gastronomy and intangible heritage.
Sustainable and regional events with a community focus.
Chile, with its geography and cultural richness, offers a calendar of festivals that spans all seasons of the year , from highland carnivals to traditional celebrations in the south.