SANTIAGO – U.S. internet giant Google on Tuesday celebrated Chile’s Day of Independence, celebrated all over the South American country to commemorate the First National Assembly or Primera Junta Nacional de Gobierno, with a stunning doodle.
The two-day festivity begins annually on September 18 to commemorate the proclamation of the First Governing Body of 1810, and the beginning of the Chilean independence process.
It is capped with the “Day of the Glories of the Army” (Día de las Glorias del Ejército) on September 19, which marks the anniversary of the first-ever military parade in the history of Chile. Army Day was formally established in 1915.
Chile’s Fiestas Patrias include kite-flying competitions and cooking demonstrations in different cities of the country. In most regions, there’s cueca dancing underneath open-walled ramadas to shield the sun. Friends and family gather for food and drinks, and empanadas, are served everywhere.
Fiestas Patrias generally feature empanadas de pino, a version of the savory pastries that comes stuffed with seasoned ground beef, olives, and raisins—a delicious way to celebrate the nation’s heritage.
