Fiestas Patrias 2006

September is a month of patriotic festivals in Chile, which culminate around the 18th, Independence Day. However, celebrations and merriment, flag waving and the sounds of cueca, the eating of empanadas and the drinking of chicha, as well as the decorating of even the smallest of spaces (including our tiny Expreso a la Costa bus terminal) as make-shift dance spaces (ramadas) with green garlands and leafy tree branches, are common throughout the month. This year our sleepy coastal community came out of its Winter hibernation early on the 17th to celebrate with a horse race on the beach, calling out area huasos to challenge each other along the tidal edge. A large number of area families came down to see the race, but mostly to converse and smile with neighbors, watch their children fly kites, and to pet the horses. The posturing among race participants and organizers was impressive as some rode out with full traditional wear, showing-off the beautiful workings of silver, leather, wood, and wool that adorn the horse of a true huaso. But possibly most impressive of all were the few that arrived bearing nothing, riding their steeds without even a saddle or reigns save a thin rope loosely thrown around the horse's neck, and still coming in first across the finish line. Regardless of the political nature of the national holidays, whose dates have been repeatedly changed throughout the country's history to serve various dictatorships and elected leaders alike, the heart of the month is in the gatherings of family and friends to dance, sing, drink, and celebrate in the mix of traditions that hold this country together, and all in at the edge of Winter, the threshold of Spring. Feliz Dieciocho y Salud!