There’s nothing like going to visit a place during a festival to get fully immersed in the culture and receive a truly rewarding experience. Chile, like most South American countries are known for their, indeed, very festive festivals. There’s almost one festival or special event going on in at least one of the towns or cities in Chile.
For festival lovers we have prepared a simple calendar of festivities as a guide for you when planning to go when and where in Chile. Time your vacation with festivals and see Chile at its most colorful and noisy moments.
January
Love Parade Night – Held every January celebrate love with thousands of others in the love parade and get ready for music, wondrous floats, an unbelievable number of revelers, lots of beer, and even more dancing. The Love Parade in Chile is held in Santiago. For more details head on to http://www.loveparade.cl/
February
Festival Costumbrista Chilote – Head on to Chiloe Island for the week long festival showcasing the islands unique culture and heritage through exhibits, performances, and of course a regional cooking showcase. Yum!
Festival of Song – Held at Viña del Mar, the relatively quiet town comes alive towards the end of the month for a 5-day festival wherein music is celebrated. The festival centers on the town’s outdoor amphitheatre where one Latin concert after the next is held for music fans from all over.
Semana Valdiviana – Another weeklong celebration this time held in the small town of Valdiviana. This festival is for maritimers who participate in contests, maritime activities, and exhibitions. Don’t miss the Noche Valdiviana wherein beautifully decorated boats lighted with candles go out to fill the river before a wonderful firework display lights up the sky.
April
Semana Santa (Easter Week) – Celebrated with much pomp in almost all catholic nations, Chile is not exempt with all the ceremonies, parades, and events that held in almost all towns throughout the country.
Fiesta del Cuasimodo – After Semana Santa the next Sunday is made interesting by a band of Huaso cowboys and Catholic priests that roam most Central Chile towns as they visit the sick and disabled.
June
Fiesta de San Pedro – Celebrated throughout Chile the best town to visit for this festival is Valparaiso where you can spot the most colorful of decorated boats as they float along the coast.
Pedro Pablo – A religious holiday wherein the church holds ceremonies all over Chile for Saints Peter and Paul.
July
Virgen del Carmen – See an extraordinary army festival as the military marches across the country in honor of their patron saint. The town of Maipu is the best place to be during this festival.
September
Independence Day and Armed Forces Day – Like in any country this holiday is marked by a day off work and plenty of partying.
Start of Rodeo Season – September is when Rodeo Season starts and though the rodeos are fun during the entire season the kick off is of course double the fun and partying.
November
All Saints Day – This holiday is marked by plenty of local events including music and dancing.
December
Fiesta de la Virgin del Rosario – A religious/cultural holiday it is marked by processions, much drinking, and music and celebrations all over.