Chile’s journey to independence began on September 18, 1810, a date now celebrated annually as Fiestas Patrias, or Chile’s Independence Day. The quest for independence was sparked by the global upheaval caused by Napoleon’s invasion of Spain, which left Spain’s colonies, including Chile, without effective governance.
On this significant date, Chileans convened the First Government Junta in Santiago, which marked the beginning of the process to gain independence from Spanish rule. Initially, the junta aimed to rule in the name of the deposed Spanish King Ferdinand VII, but soon after, the independence movement grew stronger, fueled by ideals of freedom and self-determination.
Chile’s path to full independence was a long and arduous process that spanned several years of warfare known as the Chilean War of Independence. Key figures in this struggle included Bernardo O’Higgins, often regarded as Chile’s founding father, and José de San Martín, who helped liberate several South American countries. After a series of battles and shifting alliances, Chile formally declared its independence from Spain on February 12, 1818.
However, September 18, 1810, is honored as the symbolic start of Chile’s independence movement, a day when the nation first took decisive steps toward self-rule. The occasion is celebrated with parades, traditional music, dance, and asados (barbecues), highlighting Chilean national pride and cultural heritage.–Worldwide Events