Popularly known as “El Dieciocho,” these festivities lasted several days, and many took advantage of the opportunity to meet with their families, visit tourist sites, enjoy traditional dishes, and dance cueca, the country’s national dance.
The ceremonial events had five key moments: the inauguration of the fondas (food restaurants), the Te Deum at the Metropolitan Cathedral, the “esquinazo” (corner dance) at La Moneda Palace, the Presidential Gala at the Municipal Theater, and the Military Parade for the Day of the Army’s Glories.
“During these celebrations, we remember the heroes and heroines who, with audacity and unity, fought to achieve Chile’s independence,” President Gabriel Boric said, and expressed that this is also an opportunity to experience some of the country’s traditions.
Boric led the official events in what was his last participation as a head of State in these celebrations, as he will hand over power in March 2026 to whoever is elected in the November and December elections.
The electoral propaganda also started this week, and the candidates participated in official events and celebrations both in the capital and in the regions.
The two latest polls, Signos and Black and White, published in this capital, place first Jeannette Jara, of the Unidad por Chile (Unity for Chile) alliance; followed by Jose Antonio Kast, of the far-right Partido Republicano (Republican Party); and Evelyn Matthei, of the traditional right-wing Chile Vamos (Let’s Go Chile) alliance.
