As Chileans are proud citizens , their national independent day does not take just one day but several days of partying. Around the 18th of September friends and family have spontaneous asados (barbecues) or join a more ‘organized’ popular event called Ramada or Fonda Guachaca. Squares are taken in by chairs, stands, barbecues and dance floors. Huasos (the traditional Chilean cowboys) show off their skills as do the drunks and the Cueca is being danced by young and old.

In the Ex-carcel, an old prison building used as a cultural meeting place nowadays, an oficial fonda guachaca is taken place on the 18th and 19th of September. Entrance fee is CLP5.000 and the fonda kicks off at 21h00.

(image: www.guachacas.cl)