Every September 18, Chile bursts into celebration for "El Dieciocho," one of the most important dates on its calendar. This festivity commemorates the formation of the First National Government Junta in 1810, a key event marking the beginning of its independence from Spanish rule. Although Chile’s independence process was long and gradual, unlike the quicker struggles in places like Mexico, September 18 has become a day filled with national pride and joy.
The celebration of "El Dieciocho" is synonymous with festivity, but not just any celebration—one deeply rooted in Chilean tradition. The central events of these festivities are the popular "fondas" or "ramadas," which are lively spaces where families and friends gather to enjoy themselves. These fondas are outdoor venues decorated with Chilean flags and lights, where people indulge in typical food, dancing, games, and above all, plenty of music. It’s not uncommon to see people dancing the cueca, Chile's national dance, with handkerchiefs in hand, moving to the rhythm of guitars and accordions that guide the steps of this traditional dance. The cueca is not just a dance; it’s a representation of Chilean identity. Its choreography mimics the courtship between a rooster and a hen, and it’s a dance that every Chilean holds dear from childhood.
During the celebrations, cueca competitions are common, offering everyone—from children to seniors—a chance to showcase their skills. But the music and dance wouldn’t be complete without the delicious Chilean cuisine, which takes center stage during these festivities. Among the most iconic dishes of "El Dieciocho" are empanadas, especially those filled with "pino" (a mixture of beef, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and olives).
Grilled meats (asado) also reign supreme, accompanied by pebre, a salsa made of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers. And to wash it all down, there’s no shortage of chicha, a traditional fermented drink, and Chilean wine, which form a key part of the culinary tradition during "El Dieciocho." During these celebrations, the sense of community is palpable. People come together to enjoy traditional games like emboque, rayuela, or flying kites (volantín), which fill the skies with colors. Fondas also host rodeos and other typical activities that allow attendees to reconnect with their rural and farming roots.
Although "El Dieciocho" is a day for real-world enjoyment, it has also made its mark in the virtual universe of Tibia, where Chilean players don’t miss out on the celebration. While many use this time to be with family, others find a moment to log into the game and participate in special events organized by guilds. Chilean guilds aren’t as numerous as their Brazilian or Mexican counterparts, they make up for it with a strong sense of community and camaraderie. Players decorate their virtual homes with the national colors and organize in-game events that replicate the joy and spirit of the real-world festivities. Through these celebrations, both in the real and virtual worlds, Chileans strengthen their national identity.
September 18 is not just another party; it’s an opportunity for every Chilean, no matter where they are, to feel part of a tradition that has shaped their nation. From fondas and cuecas to virtual celebrations in Tibia, this day reflects the pride and unity that define Chile and its people.
At TibiaGoals, we have an amazing member, responsible for some of our best sections and an active member of our fansite, Cinderella Knight. Being Chilean, he will give us a first-hand account of how the celebrations are in Chile.
What’s your superpower during the National Holidays? Eating more empanadas than anyone else If you could only eat one thing all September 18, what would it be: asado, empanadas, or choripanes? (You can't say all of them!)
- Empanadas, there are thousands of types, and I’m vegetarian, so there’s always an option for me.
Are you the king of the fonda or the ninja who sneaks in just for the food and vanishes without anyone noticing?
- King of the fonda, I love to dance!
On a scale from 1 to 10, how good are you at dancing cueca? (You can’t say you have two left feet if you're Chilean.)
- Hmm, a generous 6.
If you had to create a new tradition for September 18 within Tibia, like an event, what would it be?
- Traditional "Dieciochero" games while drunk. “Hicks”
What would you prefer: a good kite battle or a contest to see who can drink the most terremotos without getting dizzy?
- Kite battle, I don’t drink much alcohol.
If you could invite a player from another nationality to spend the 18th with you, who would you choose, and what would you have them try first: chicha or pebre?
- I’d choose my crush. I think they would have a great time. I don’t think they’d like pebre since I know they don’t like a similar Mexican sauce, so I’d have them try chicha, which is basically a very sweet wine.
Have you ever gotten lost in a fonda or ended up with more skewers than you could handle? Tell us your best Fiestas Patrias story!
- I think the most fun things about these parties are the ones you don’t remember. The 18th is a day of lots of alcohol, and everyone is super happy.
Getting lost in a fonda is practically a tradition, haha. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen at a September 18 celebration?
- Honestly, I haven’t seen anything weird. I don’t go too wild at these things.
What do you think would make a Chilean cry more during these dates: no pebre at the asado, or someone not knowing what a ramada is?
- What would make a Chilean cry more is no pebre at an asado. Chileans love to explain and show our traditions to foreigners and get them to take part in them. In September, these celebrations—reflections of multiple national identities—bring the Tibian community together in a global experience.
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