2019-09-18 Wed

Chilean Independence Day is public holiday always celebrated in Chile on September 18th and marks the date when the Chilean people declared independence from Spain in 1810. It is Chile's National Day and along with Christmas, this period is the most important holiday time in the year in Chile.

On September 18th, 1810, Chile broke from Spanish rule, declaring their independence. The Spanish had ruled Chile since the middle of the 16th Century. While Chileans celebrate their independence on September 18th, their declaration in 1810 was the start of a long struggle and the Chilean war of Independence lasted for eight years before Chile could officially proclaim independence on February 12th, 1818. It wasn't until 1826 when the last Spanish troops holding out on a remote island finally surrendered to Chilean forces.

Also known as the Fiestas Patrias, the celebration of Independence consist of two days: a) on18 September in commemoration of the proclamation of the First Governing Body of 1810 and 19 September: known as the "Day of the Glories of the Army". Within Chile, the Fiestas Patrias is often referred to as the Dieciocho, or "18th" because the celebration occurs on 18 September.

On the completion of the 100th Year of the Independence Day, Chile Post issued a special commemorative stamp. This 1 Chilean centavo stamp depicts a scene of the celebration of National Festival in the main square of the country.

The movement to independence had been driven by other South American countries revolting against colonial rule, the French and Spanish warring in Europe and the appointment of an unpopular Governor in 1808.

Image Courtesy: https://colnect.com

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