Diesiocho – Independence Day

Chile declared its independence from Spain on September 18, 1810. Chileans celebrate Diesiocho with much fanfare, and, like other free countries, define independence as “nayh, nayh, now we can do whatever we want”. And so they do.

We joined in the fun and attended a fonda (huge municipal BBQ) where local huasos (cowboys) danced the cueca (the national dance) with their horses. Odd, yet captivating. Then, the carabineros (police force) put on a spectacular demonstration by riding - at full gallop - in a pyramid formation on top of their horses across the stadium. It didn’t look legal to me. The next day, we watched a military parade in downtown Valparaiso where the army, navy and air force bands played while the troops sang the Chilean national anthem to the crowd. Now I understand how multi-talented armed forces benefit a country at peacetime.

The meal of the day is chorzipan, which is similar to bratwurst but not as healthy. Brave souls partake in chincha which is a nasty drink made from grapes before they are ripe enough for wine. Those of us more cerebrally endowed wait for the Merlot.

We love our independence down here, and try very hard to enjoy our freedoms within the laws of the land. We are learning that all-night parties that keep your American neighbors awake are perfectly legal. Watching Ciervo dance the cueca, while legal, should be outlawed. Chincha is just a bad idea, but you won’t be arrested for it. However, we learned the hard way that it is definitely illegal to park in front of homes in Valparasio. We half expected the carabineros to break into a song and dance, but they instead wrote us a parking ticket. Crabby carabineros must have fallen off the pyramid.

Today, the city recovers, as do we. As we emerge from our chorzipan induced comas, we are reminded how fortunate we are to have the freedom to travel abroad, experience different traditions and customs, and embarrass ourselves in a whole new country.

(The pictures are of Margartia with Katalina, and Sarafina with Miriana at the fonda. They are our Chilean friends who lived in Boulder and just moved back to Santiago)

Sisma