Culture and Traditions

Chile Commemorates Independence after Earthquake and Tsunami

Chile Commemorates Independence after Earthquake and Tsunami

The celebration of Independence in Chile is somewhat particular. Informally called El Dieciocho (“The Eighteenth”), it’s a national festivity that includes the days 18th and 19th of September, and in some cases even the 17th and the 20th, to commemorate the establishment of Chile as an independent nation from the Spanish crown. The festivities commonly include dance, music and savory foods, all in representation of the Chilean folklore.

However, nature had other plans this year. On September 16th, a massive 8.4 magnitude earthquake hit the pacific coast of Chile, which also produced a tsunami that devastated the city of Coquimbo, and also affected other coastal cities such as Valparaíso, Canela Baja and Illapel.

Twelve people were reported killed, and a million were evacuated. Houses, buildings, fishing boats and vehicles were reduced to a pile of debris. This catastrophe even changed the Chilean geography. Still, 3 days later, the Chileans started to rebuild their homes, clean up the roads, and even commemorate their independence by hanging decorations and flags up on the tents that serve as temporary refuges.

Resilient people, Chileans have learned the lessons from previous catastrophes, such as the tsunami that hit the country in 2010. In this occasion, text messages with emergency alerts helped to evacuate a million people to higher grounds, potentially saving lots of lives. The authorities, as well as the citizens, know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency; they’re prepared and organized.

No one knows exactly when nature will strike again, but life must go on. The Chileans are trying to do it, little by little, with bravery and hope.

Copyright: vepar5 / 123RF Stock Photo

Comment Below
Culture and Traditions

More in Culture and Traditions

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan: Sacred Bond Between Brothers and Sisters

Bernadine RacomaAugust 7, 2017
Independence Day

July 4th Independence Day Celebrations in The USA – And Denmark

Christina CombenJuly 4, 2017
Food Carving

Intricate Food Carving is Blowing People’s Minds on Instagram

Brian OasterMay 30, 2017
halloween

A Number of Countries Around the World Observe Halloween Today

Christina CombenOctober 31, 2016
Tabrizi's Restaurant

Tabrizi’s Restaurant to Serve the Homeless for Restaurant Week

dnadminJuly 13, 2015
Miami Beach, Florida

How the Growing Presence of South Americans in Miami Has Reshaped the City

Bernadine RacomaJuly 23, 2014
Kajang

Local Government Seeks to Protect the Ancient Kajang Tribe of Indonesia

Bernadine RacomaFebruary 13, 2014
Giovani donne Inuit della Groenlandia settentrionale

Zacharias Kunuk Creates Cultural Internet for the Inuits of Canada

Bernadine RacomaJanuary 23, 2014
Riga, Latvia

Riga is the New Culture Capital of Europe for 2014

Bernadine RacomaJanuary 21, 2014

Day News Corporation

415 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor, New York City, NY 10017

(212) 537-6123

Latest Tweets

DayNewsCo @DayNewsCo

Could not authenticate you.