Navy Day

📣 Traveler notes

Chile is a narrow country in South America situated between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

• The major civil festival marking the start of spring is Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias).
• Major annual celebrations include Christmas (family-focused, religious) and New Year's (lively, with fireworks).
• A general high tourism season runs from December through the first week of March.
• Key national holidays include New Year's Day (Jan 1) and International Workers' Day (May 1).
• Guests should use polite phrases such as 'Si, por favor' (yes, please) and 'No, gracias' (no, thank you).
• Dress respectfully at religious sites. Maintain political neutrality, especially regarding sensitive topics like the Pinochet regime or historical tensions with Bolivia. Use a handshake for greetings between men, and a light cheek touch or hug otherwise. It is polite to say 'con permiso' when leaving or standing up at a meal.