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Showcasing Chile’s National Day “Fiestas Patrias” with a Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Cuisine
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the Chile Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will host a special event to commemorate Fiestas Patrias, Chile’s most important national celebration of independence. The holiday marks the establishment of Chile’s first governing council (provisional government) in Santiago in 1810, which set the country on the path toward independence from Spain. While full independence was officially declared in 1818, September 18 has ever since been celebrated nationwide with vibrant festivals featuring traditional dance, music, and cuisine, making it one of the most significant holidays for the Chilean people.
On the day of the event, the entire Chile Pavilion will be filled with the spirit of tradition and festivity, welcoming visitors to experience the authentic atmosphere of Chile’s national celebration through music, dance, gastronomy, and more.
“Over the past six months, we have organized the Chilean pavilion's program for Expo 2025 into themed weeks. On this Chilean Independence Day, we want to show the Japanese and international public a comprehensive view of our country: its territories, tourism, customs, and traditions, as well as our cuisine and products. It will be a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the diversity and vitality of Chile as a society.", Paulina Nazal, General Commisioner, states.
Experience Chilean Culture: The Allure of Music and Dance
On the day of the celebration, the entire Pavilion will come alive with the vibrant energy and festive spirit of South America, showcasing Chilean music, dance, and traditional culture. From the moment visitors step inside, they will be immersed in an atmosphere of passion and vitality—just as if they were celebrating Chile’s Independence Day in the country itself.
Live Performance & Participation in the National Dance “Cueca”
Couples in traditional dress will perform the spirited “Cueca,” Chile’s national dance, which depicts the courtship of a rooster and a hen with graceful steps and fluttering handkerchiefs. Set to the rhythm of guitar and lively clapping, the performance creates a powerful sense of unity that naturally draws the audience in. Visitors will also have the chance to learn the basic steps and join the dancers in an interactive session.
Traditional Chilean Game “Emboque”
Guests can try their hand at “Emboque,” a traditional Chilean game similar to Japan’s kendama, along with other family-friendly activities. This hands-on program offers fun for all ages while providing a glimpse into Chilean everyday culture and the joy of intergenerational play.
Live Folk Music
Throughout the day, the sounds of Chilean folk instruments such as guitars and accordions will resonate across the Pavilion, enveloping it in a festive atmosphere. The rhythms and melodies that accompany traditional dances like the Cueca will inspire visitors to sing, clap, and dance along—creating moments that capture the passion and vitality of South America.
Experience Chile’s Culinary Culture: Traditional Dishes and Diverse Flavors
Another highlight of the event is the opportunity to enjoy Chile’s renowned food and beverages. Through a truly multi-sensory dining experience, visitors can also discover Chilean culture expressed in folk dances and traditional games.
Signature Dish: Empanada de Pino (Savory Pastry)
This traditional baked pastry, filled with beef, onion, boiled egg, olives, and raisins, is a cherished national dish and an essential part of Chilean celebrations.
Traditional Sweets
Guests can indulge in classic Chilean desserts loved across generations, such as Empolvados (soft powdered-sugar cookies), Milhojas (layered pastry), and Merenguitos (light, airy meringues).
Chilean Wine & Pisco
Visitors will also be invited to taste Chile’s world-renowned wines, along with cocktails made from Pisco, the country’s signature grape-based spirit, offering an authentic taste of South American culture.
From September 15 to 21, the Pavilion will also present “Chile Wine Week,” coinciding with the national holiday Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day celebrations). This themed week is part of the international promotional campaign “Taste the Untamed” and offers a rare opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of Chilean wines—shaped by the country’s vast natural landscapes and rich terroir—through all five senses.
