¡¡¡Dieciocho is coming, dieciocho is coming!!!
9/15/10
If you currently live in Chile and are in the flag industry, business is good. Red, white, blue and immense patriotism have taken over the country, and it truly is amazing to witness.
Cars are adorned with flags—similar to USA football game days—and every single store is crepe-papered to the max. Nearly every house/apartment has a flag hanging proudly; and despite finding out that one could actually get fined for not having a flag out, which yes, seems like forced patriotism, I truly believe houses would look more or less the same, mandate or no mandate.
Dieciocho (the eighteenth) signifies to Chile their long-awaited freedom from Spain in the early 1800’s. Though it is not the true date of independence, which was February 12, 1818 (although Spain wouldn’t recognize it until 1840), Dieciocho de Septiembre 1810 was the beginning of the movement, and a date much more respected and celebrated throughout Chile.
And this year, 2010, is extra
special because it is their bicentennial—two hundred years of the idea of and the fight for a sovereign Chile…Spain-free.
Festivities begin Thursday night and last until Monday—Friday through Monday having been declared a national holiday. Normal life 
will all but come to a halt, and everything “Chile” will be in full force—the traditional dance of cueca and it’s wonderful Spanish guitar accompaniment; ponche, chicha and terremotos, customary and delicious drinks, all utilizing wine in some way; emapanadas; more meat than one can imagine; rodeos; kites, and so much more.
I of course plan to be in the heart of it all, and this preview gives no justice to what is actually about to take place—this phlog is only a taste of what’s to come! This is a big deal to all Chileans, and I doubt there are few countries that equal such dedication to their traditions and love for their country.
¡Viva Chile! Let the festivities begin!