About Chile National Day (Fiestas Patrias)
Chile's National Day, the Día de las Fiestas Patrias, is celebrated on September 18, opening the country's biggest and most beloved holiday season. The date marks September 18, 1810, when Chile formed its first national governing junta, the Primera Junta Nacional de Gobierno — the first step toward independence from Spain. Together with September 19, the Day of the Glories of the Army, it anchors a stretch of festivities known simply as "el Dieciocho".
Fiestas Patrias is a joyous, deeply traditional celebration. Families and communities gather at "fondas" and "ramadas" — festive open-air pavilions — to dance the cueca, Chile's national dance, eat empanadas and asado, drink chicha and terremotos, and fly kites in the spring sky. Rodeos, folk music and patriotic displays fill the days, and the Chilean flag is flown from homes and businesses across the country.
Chile's National Day always falls on September 18, so the counter above counts down to the next one automatically. Whether you are heading to a fonda, planning an asado or marking the date from abroad, add Chile National Day to your own countdown page and count down to the Fiestas Patrias.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Friday, September 18, 2026next |
| 2027 | Saturday, September 18, 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, September 18, 2028 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, September 18, 2029 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, September 18, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Chile's National Day?
Chile's National Day, the Fiestas Patrias, falls on September 18 every year. The countdown above shows the exact time until the next one.
Why is Chile's National Day on September 18?
It marks September 18, 1810, when Chile formed its first national governing junta, the first step toward independence from Spain.
How are Chile's Fiestas Patrias celebrated?
With cueca dancing, empanadas and asado at festive "fondas" and "ramadas", plus rodeos, folk music, kite-flying and flags across the country.
What is "el Dieciocho"?
It is the popular name for the Fiestas Patrias holiday — "the Eighteenth" — referring to September 18 and the days of celebration around it.