It’s party season in Chile. Fiestas Patrias celebrates Chile’s freedom from Spanish rule, commemorating the first governing body in 1810 and also honoring the army. Collectively known as Dieciocho – Eighteen – because the official celebration occurs on September 18, festivities continue for more than a week with huge Chilean flags waving in the breeze, bunting and decorations in all the shops, children parading around in traditional clothing, and huge community festivals.
At International School Nido de Aguilas, the gringos traditionally host a Dieciocho party for the Chilean staff. Pisco sours and beer flow liberally, kebabs fill the barbecue grills, and we teachers take the stage to “entertain.”
My friend, Nancy, and I cracked ourselves up planning a skit modeled on a youtube video from a few years back. Remember the one with two ladies in a car who lipsync songs while wearing costumes from each era? Well, we thought it would be amazing to do the same thing with Spanish-language tunes.
Sure, we could have practiced a bit more. And, yes, we were scrambling for a car prop right up to the last minute when we miraculously scored the school’s golf cart. But we had fun, and it turned into a dance party, so you can’t ask for much more than that, right?
Felices Fiestas Patrias, Chile!
