This week in Chile, a palpable excitement moves through the air, stirring proudly strung Chilean flags and people’s spirits, as the country prepares for a week of festivities in honor of its independence.
The Fiestas Patrias is officially recognized Sept. 18 as a celebration of Chile’s first governing body, established in 1810.
On Sept. 19, the Great Military Parade of Chile commemorates the achievements of the Chilean Army. This is the final “official” event of Fiestas Patrias.
Along the way, celebrations will include the dancing of Chile’s national dance, the cueca, going to carretes (parties), drinking terremotos, attending barbecues and going to fondas.
Terremotos are a very popular local Chilean beverage, made of pipeño (sweet fermented wine) and pineapple ice cream.
While terremoto literally translates as “earthquake,” it takes only a few sips to understand why this particular drink has earned that name.
Fondas, which are typically large tents, serve as the base of operation for people preparing and serving local Chilean foods and beverages, such as terremotos, during the Fiestas Patrias.
Terremotos are only one of several local beverages served during the Fiestas Patrias. The fondas will have many options for visitors, and the largest fondas can be found in Parque O’Higgins, which also happens to be a hot spot for the aforementioned carretes.
So, as most schools and places of business take a week off for this week of endless festivities, I’ve discovered that I have ample amounts of free time to fill with interesting activities and possible travel outside of Santiago.
At first, I thought I might go to Chiloé, an area consisting of several islands off the coast of Chile. It is a place shrouded in folklore and mythology, a place I’ve been dying to visit.
When a friend and I went to buy tickets, however, we discovered that they were all sold out. Tickets to other locations were mostly sold out as well and expensive to boot.
Apparently, traveling during Fiestas Patrias is quite popular, and many businesses take the opportunity to raise prices for traveling.
Needless to say, I will be sticking around Santiago this week.
For me, my Fiestas Patrias celebration began Sunday. And how did I kick off my independence week celebrations?
With a trip to the zoo, of course.
Following a brisk morning walk up Cerro San Cristóbal, my friends and I decided to visit the Zoológico Nacional de Chile, home to both local and foreign animals.
Before entering the gates, I could feel my steps growing more eager, as familiar sounds and smells of the zoo brought fond childhood memories rushing to the forefront of my mind.
It was so easy to get caught up in the excitement reverberating around the zoo’s many hills and enclosures.
A group of children jumped excitedly as their parents grudgingly handed over recently purchased stuffed lemurs, and a couple cuddled and attempted to take an adorable selfie, while unbeknownst to them a red baboon’s butt shone brightly in the background.
Penguins splashed happily in their enclosure. Everyone and everything came out to enjoy the brightly shining sun on this perfect zoo day.
I was able to see several of Chile’s indigenous wildlife at the zoo, such as guanacos (they look very similar to llamas); Andean condors, the national bird of Chile; Humboldt penguins; and pudú, the world’s smallest deer.
Though I did not fall prey to the stuffed tigers, hippos and bears that grinned at me from souvenir stands on my way out of the zoo, I will forever cherish my Chilean zoo experience, as it allowed me closer access to the animals than I believe I’ve ever had before.
While the start of my Fiestas Patrias celebration had a simple, lovely beginning at the zoo, I will probably be found circling Parque O’Higgins the rest of this week, hopefully staying on my feet if a terremoto strikes.
