In 1520, Ferdinand Magellan was the first European explorer to arrive in Chile. Other explorers followed in 1535 searching for gold and silver. Though unsuccessful in finding these precious metals, Chile did offer enough other valuable agricultural resources worthy of Spanish conquest. For nearly 300 years, Spain reigned over Chile despite numerous violent insurrections. Finally, in 1810, Chile declared independence from Spain. And after a violent 16 years of fighting, Chile successfully expelled Spanish forces from the region in 1826. Today, Chileans celebrate their independence otherwise known as Fiestas Patrias or El Dieciocho. The celebrations seem to go on for two weeks. There are celebrations by neighborhood. Every house has a Chilean flag in the front. We have a week off from school beginning Friday.
This weekend our school marked the holiday with a large party. School administrators entered the arena on horseback. There was a short presentation with music honoring Chile. There were barrel racing events with huasos dressed in their traditional outfits. Girls dressed in vestidos de huasas and boys in plaid, ponchos, and hats sprawled the athletic fields. In the center, families sat at red and blue tables drinking cervezas and pisco sours. There were sopapillas, cerviche, and empanadas. Kids flew kites and bounced in jumpy castles. Surrounding the area, volunteers ran booths with contests similar to the games you might find at the Topsfield Fair. There was a even a little gambling around which numbered box the guinea pig would run into when he was released from his box in the center of the circle. Kids bought tickets and the child with the number to the winning box took home a large toy. The last winner of the day took home the guinea pig.
This weekend Mia also had a birthday party at a ranch about five minutes from our house. Three huasos took the seven kids on a little paseo in the mountains. The adults went on a little hike and met the kids at a picnic area. Our friend, Vicky, baked the most delicious gluten-free chocolate cake with green coconut grass with blueberries and strawberries on the side. They sang to her in English and then in Spanish. “Cumpleaños feliz te deseamos a ti feliz cumpleaños Mia que los cumplas feliz.” To open presents, the kids stood in a line and while Mia was blindfolded each kid said “Happy Birthday, Mia!” in a disguised voice. If Mia got it right, she could open the present. If she was wrong, she had to do a little “penetencia” and then try again. After opening presents, the kids played on the ranch while the parents talked. Everyone left with the equivalent of Chilean Pokeman cards and a Chilean friendship bracelet. Happy Birthday, Chile and Mia!
Living in Chile 