CHILE: National Holiday

Chile´s relationship with Argentina is somewhat like that of Canada with the United States. They are overshadowed by their neighbors, and we forget that they have their own identity. It is what Chileans call "la chilenidad". It is the theme of Independence Day, September 18, which is more attractive than most national holidays, marked by military parades, bombastic speeches often about military victories over "tyrants", and fireworks. This year at least things were different in Chile. There were military parades, but under the socialist government they were kept in the background. The main festivities were in Santiago's O'Higgins Park, where people stuffed themselves on the special pies made for that day, washed down with red wine. President Lagos and the Mayor of Santiago made nice speeches, and a good time was had by all. There were so-called fondas in various party of the city, open spaces where people could feast and play friendly games without the competitive tensions of the Sydney Olympics. My idea of games.

Ronald Hilton - 9/24/00