la semana de fiestas patrias

Chileans definitely know how to celebrate. Since September 18th is their national independence day, the entire month of September is full of festivities. Starting on the first day of the month, the city is draped in flags and the supermarkets start carrying special foods and drinks. And because September 18th falls on this Friday, this whole week is a holiday week -- work and school is cancelled, lots of Chileans go on vacation, and there are tons of parades, parties, and concerts all over the city.

It's fun to be in Chile during this time of intense national pride! My host parents keep feeding me special Chilean desserts that are only available during September. I've eaten so much manjar I think I might explode...this is so much better than July 4th!