Chile Day 2

I have just woken up and started my second day in Chile. Today is September 18, the celebration of Chile’s independence day from Spain in 1810 known as Fiestas Patrias. I left my motel and headed for downtown where the all the festivities would commemorate.  I soon found myself in the middle of the festivities, as I was surrounded by people from all social classes celebrating their independence as well as displaying a great amount of national pride for the country they feel proud to live in. Many children were dressed in colorful and uniquely designed costumes performing plays, and many adults were also wearing similar style costumes mostly designed with the colors of Chile’s flag, which are blue, red, and white, as they danced.

Some Chilean children I witnessed parading down the streets.

I started to become hungry, so I went to a nearby restaurant to take a break from the celebration. I sat down and ordered my meals, which was a stew called Charquican, which was filled with beef, carrots, and potatoes.  The lunch was a nice and tasty break that refueled me for more of the festivities that were to come. After I finished my meal, I headed outside to take part in more of the festivities. One festivity that I saw was a kite-flying contest. Families came together and started to raise their self-designed flags in the crowded streets, and soon the competition began. Flags designed, like the Chilean flag and other kites that had a Chilean inspired design, came flying through blue sky as many families were filled with excitement and happiness as their kites raced through. The competition soon ended as a winner was crowned.

Some Chilean kids with their kites

After that festivity finished I walked to the next festivity that  happened at the rodeos where many huasos, or Chilean cowboys, danced their horses around the arena to a crowd of enthusiastic Chileans displaying a huge amount of patriotism.

My view from the rodeo as the huasos prepared for the start.

The festivities continued throughout the day, but I was getting tired, so I returned to my hotel for the last time. I ate empanadas, or fried dough filled with beef and cheese, for dinner. The meal was delicious as well as very refreshing making the similar types of foods I had in America, like soft tacos, look no where near as tasteful and fresh. I then decided to go to bed and enjoy my last moments in Chile. When I got in my room, I looked out the window and still saw many people outside in the parade, and then I quickly fell asleep in my bed.

Empanadas, one of the most delicious foods I have ever eaten before