For days before and after September 18, the Dieciocho or Fiesta Patrias, the country celebrates with parades, festivities, food, music and beverages.
Thursday a small group of us went to Abasto and Candela to go salsa dancing. At Candela, they had some traditional Cueca music and dance for about an hour.
Then a friend of mine attempted to teach me Cueca. She dances the Cueca beautifully and as my expression should convey, I wasn't really getting it but at least I was trying! A few people sitting next to us i guess felt sorry for me so they came over to "help" me but i didn't really improve.
For the actual day of September 18th, my host family threw an ASADO. We had chicken, pork, salads, bread, and mote con huesillo for dessert.
And everyone around the lunch table......
For this holiday, much of the drinking, music and dancing occurs in the ramadas, open air "buildings" with a dance floor under a thatched roof, or one made traditionally with branches, as in traditional shelters. They are kind of like fairs except on a smaller scale. Refreshment stands, fondas, offer a variety of national food favorites and wine and chicha are the popular beverages.
I went to my first Chilean ramada behind the local casino and we went two days in a row. I had my first antichucho which is like a shishkabob (sp?) with pieces of beef, sausage, hot dog pieces, and onions. We played rifle games and ball tossing games, enjoyed the company of friends, and danced to some popular reggaton music. Here is the group I was with infront of the rifle games.
Cheers to September 18th in Chile and an awesome time!
cw
No comments:
Post a Comment