Written by Emilia Rojas

In one more day, Chile´s "national heritage month" begins, and at Ciu Santiago, we´d like to tell you what this celebration means for Chileans, what´s done during the famous "18" ("dieciocho") and give you some recommendations to consider.

On 18 September, Chile celebrates its First National Government, which in simpler words, is our country´s independence. Under this pretext, our more rural culture shines through, which in my opinion should be emphasized throughout the year.

And this is how "fondas"come to flourish throughout the city and people fall into a permanent party that lasts much longer than independence day…it lasts the ENTIRE MONTH. Typical drinks appear —alcohol is a fundamental part of the celebration— such as the terremoto and piscolas (pisco with coke), and empanadas de pino (a juicy meat mixture) are eaten more than ever, along with dancing cueca, cumbia, ranchera—I know that´s Mexican, but in rural Chile, you see it a lot. People listen with nostalgia and pride to singers such as Victor Jara, Violeta Parra, Los Cuatro Cuartos, etc.

For me, this month of "chilenidad," (Chilean identity) seems a little ridiculous, as I, coming from a rural family, have folklore in my blood, and display my culture all year long. However, not everyone´s the same, and although many only remember that they´re Chilean during this one month, this is indeed the month and we must enjoy it!

So basically, the key elements to consider this month are: alcohol, traditional food and music. Alcohol can vary, but we recommend you drink or try drinks like chichón, ponche or the classic terremoto. It´s possible to find them at all "fondas," which will soon begin —the most emblematic in Parque O´Higgins— which we will discuss further in our "18 Special." However, if you want to prepare now and familiarize yourself with these drinks, there are places like La Piojera, or Wonder Bar, where you can go after work and relax a bit in the most popular style of the past.

In terms of food, I imagine everyone already knows about the empanada, which you can always find in various locations. Despite this fact, the nose simply cannot avoid the smell of them baking this month, as they are the king of the weekends in all houses, parks and of course, "fondas." There are also snacks such as sopaipillas with pebre (similar to a fresh Mexican salsa) and kebabs on the preferred menu for these celebrations.

So, now for the music, Cueca is obviously the queen of dancing here, but it´s also good to practice a little of cumbias and racheras, in order to show off this 18. For this, there are special places in the city, who throughout the year have folklore music, be it recorded or with live bands. Without going any further, this Friday, 2 September 2011, the fabulous "7x3 Veintiuna"  will release their latest album at Club Matadero, and of course, Ciu Santiago will be there, soaking up the "dieciocho" energy in order to give you better tips this month.

Now you know, get ready, liven up and look out for our special!

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