The Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches in Chile 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, October 31 , a date that each year brings together thousands of faithful in churches, streets, and squares across the country. This day is a national holiday , allowing evangelical Christian communities to hold commemorative activities, thanksgiving services, and family gatherings.
The date coincides with the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation , a movement initiated by Martin Luther in 1517, when he published his 95 theses in Germany, giving rise to the reformed churches that spread throughout the world.
Origin and recognition of the evangelical holiday in Chile
The National Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches was officially established by Law No. 20,299 , enacted on October 14, 2008, during Michelle Bachelet's first administration.
The objective was to recognize the historical and social influence of the evangelical movement on the spiritual and cultural construction of the country.
Before its officialization, many communities already held local celebrations every October 31st. However, state recognition consolidated the date as a symbol of religious equality , highlighting the contributions of non-Catholic churches in areas such as education, social assistance, and the defense of Christian values.
Importance of the Day of Evangelical Churches for Chilean society
In Chile, nearly 18% of the population identifies as evangelical or Protestant , according to the 2022 Census. This community has had an active presence in various areas of national life, from music and education to volunteering and politics.
For many, October 31st is an opportunity for public witness . Marches for Jesus, praise concerts, Christian literature fairs, and solidarity campaigns are held in various regions.
Beyond religion, this day also represents a space for reflection on freedom of worship , one of the fundamental principles recognized in the Chilean Constitution.
How Evangelical Churches Day is celebrated in Chile 2026
During Evangelical Churches Day 2026 , churches and communities throughout Chile are expected to carry out activities that include:
Special services in temples and auditoriums.
Parades and caravans in cities such as Santiago, Valparaíso, Temuco, and Concepción.
Free Christian concerts in public squares.
Days of national prayer and fasting.
Live broadcasts of religious services on television and social media.
In some municipalities, such as La Florida, Maipú and Talca , civic-religious activities have been institutionalized, with the participation of local authorities and evangelical organizations.
Difference with Halloween and the spiritual meaning of the date
October 31st also coincides with the popular celebration of Halloween , which has sparked debate in various sectors of the country.
While some Chileans embrace this foreign holiday for recreational purposes, evangelical communities promote the motto "Let's celebrate with light, not darkness," emphasizing the spiritual value of the day and its connection to the Protestant Reformation.
This cultural duality has led many schools and families to replace Halloween with Christian activities , such as festivals of light or family gatherings, promoting values of faith and hope.
Featured activities in regions of Chile
Each year, celebrations adapt to local traditions. Some of the most representative in 2026 will be:
Metropolitan Region: Unified worship in O'Higgins Park, organized by the Council of Pastors.
Biobío Region: March for Jesus in Concepción, with live music and public testimonies.
Los Lagos Region: Interdenominational meeting in Puerto Montt with participation of rural churches.
Coquimbo Region: Open-air Christian concert in the Plaza de Armas in La Serena.
These activities demonstrate the diversity and unity of the Chilean evangelical people , who renew their commitment to God and the community each year.
The legacy of the Protestant Reformation today
More than five centuries after the Reformation initiated by Luther, the central message remains valid:
personal faith, direct reading of the Bible and grace as a divine gift .
Evangelical churches in Chile have maintained this legacy, promoting values of solidarity, education, and social commitment.
This legacy is also reflected in their active participation in social projects, orphanages, rehabilitation programs, and humanitarian campaigns, especially in times of crisis or natural disasters.