Is there a better way to celebrate your country’s Independence Day but with all your friends and family in a very special party at the greatest school in Chile? Of course not, so that is what we did on September 17th!

A little bit of history first.

Within Chile the Fiestas Patrias are often referred to as the Dieciocho (in commemoration of the proclamation of the First Governing Body of 1810, and marking the beginning of the Chilean independence process), or "18th" because the celebration occurs on September 18. Unofficially, the celebration can last for around a week, depending on when it falls (for example, if the 18th is a Wednesday, celebrations extend from Saturday the 14th, through Sunday the 22nd). Most schools and jobs declare a week-long vacation for the holiday. Together with Christmas, the Dieciocho is the most important time of the year for most Chileans.

Traditional activities associated with the Dieciocho include Chilean rodeo, dancing the cueca, going to fondas, and barbecue. Fondas are venues, often tents, prepared and decorated for the Fiestas Patrias where traditional Chilean dishes and beverages are served. Escuela Fronteras had its own fonda called “El Guargüero seco” (the dry throat) in honor to one of the school’s founders, Paul Davy.

We had a barbeque with beef and sausages in a kebab style and also empanadas de pino (meat turnovers) for lunch. We accompanied the food with “chicha” (a fermented beverage made from grapes) and our internationally recognized Chilean wine.

After eating and when all our guests had already arrived, a folk group showed us some typical dances. The ages of the 15 members of the group ranged from 7 to 75! It was a great performance. But before we could all understand what the national dance was all about and appreciate more the show, we had a short “Cueca” class with our dancing teacher Mauricio. That was a great way to get started for three days of endless dancing at the rythm of Cueca Chilena.

It would not have been a real Chilean celebration if it had not been for the typical games we played. Some include races with your legs inside a potatoe sack, competitions of “Trompo”, “Rayuela” and “Emboque” (all wooden style games for kids from the countryside).

Many former students, our staff, friends and family joined us for this great party and enjoyed all the activities prepared. We hope that next year, the new version of our Fonda is as much fun so you are all invited! Salud!