September 18th in Chile is what the 4th of July is for Americans. It signifies the beginning of independence for Chile. According to Wikipedia...Within Chile the Fiestas Patrias are often referred to as the Dieciocho, or "18th" because the celebration occurs on September 18. Unofficially, the celebration can last for around a week, depending on when it falls (for example, if the 18th is a Wednesday, celebrations extend from Saturday the 14th, through Sunday the 22nd). Interestingly, in La Serena the 18th September is often celebrated on the 20th of September because it took two days for news of Chile's independence to reach this far north. Most schools and jobs declare a week-long vacation for the holiday. Together with Christmas, the fiesta is the most important time of the year for most Chileans.
We celebrated Chile's indepence day at church on the 17th with an all day party. It began at 11:00 am and went until 9:00 pm. This is our chapel in La Serena. Most of the day was spent in the parking lot having barbeque, playing games, dancing and enjoying one another's company.
The youth here have been so kind to our family. Here is one of Emily's friends Edwardo. The young people here all take English classes at school and have enjoyed having a little bit more English practice outside of the classroom. Edwardo and Emily exchange words in thier respective languages and see if they can stump eachother. We are also happy to find that there are BYU fans all the way down here in Chile.
I couldn't reisist getting a picture of this cute little Chilean cowboy. Many of the members dressed up in traditional costumes for the dance performances later in the evening.
BJ was happy when some of the kids brought bikes to the activity and shared them with the other children.
This toy that Andrew is playing with is called an "emboque". Andrew had it mastered after just a few tries.
Here is Evan giving it a try. It is much more difficult that it may look.
Much more to come on our independence day festivities.
(Side note...David spent a few days in Argentina for work during this week, so he wasn't able to attend the celebration with us.)
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