Pepe's Chile

A Gringo's Culture Guide to Chile

  • Home
  • Culture
  • Travel
  • Pesos
  • Facts
  • About
  • Book
  • Español
Home » Chile Facts » Chilean Holidays

Chilean Holidays

Chileans have several official holidays during the year. Some are the product of Chile’s history and others are based on Catholic celebrations.

Chile’s Annual Holidays:

January 1: New Year’s Day
Chile welcomes in the new year with the rest of the world.
March or April: Easter and Holy Week
Traditional Christian holidays celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, includes Good Friday and the Saturday following
May 1: Labor Day or Day of the Worker
Celebrate economic and social contributions of workers. Why is May 1st a holiday in Chile?
May 21: Navy Day
Commemorates the great naval battle of Iquique and other naval victories
June 29: Saint Peter and Saint Paul
Catholic feast celebrating these saints
July 16: Fiesta de la Virgin del Carmen:
Feast celebrated by Catholics
August 15: Assumption of Mary
Catholic holiday remembering Mary’s passage to heaven
September 18: Independence Day
Chile officially proclaimed independence from Spain on February 12, 1818. Nevertheless, Chileans celebrate their independence September 18th with the Fiestas Patrias.
September 19: Armed Forces Day
Honors the military and their past victories
October 12: Columbus Day (Day of the Race)
Remembers day Columbus arrived in the Americas
October 31: Reformation Day
Day of the Evangelical and Protestant Churches
November 1: All Saints Day
Catholic holiday celebrating all saints and martyrs
December 8: Immaculate Conception
Catholic holiday remembering the virgin Mary
mid-December: Public Holiday (Presidential Elections)
During presidential election years, a public holiday is declared for voting to take place.
December 25: Christmas Day
Christmas in Chile brings Santa, family time, and fun.

Traveling to Chile?

Learn the secrets of Chilean culture that every gringo should know:

Click to see the book

Get your culture book today

Traveling to Chile?

culture book

Find out what you should know before landing in Chile.

The Gringo’s Culture Guide to Chile is designed to help you understand Chileans, their culture, food, language, and daily life so you can enjoy your time in this beautiful country and not be blindsided by culture shock.

Read The Gringo’s Culture Guide to Chile

Copyright © 1995-2022 Joe Rawlinson. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy