Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Day

📣 Traveler notes

Chile is a long, narrow South American country situated between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

• Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias) is the primary civil celebration, featuring traditional food, music, and dances.
• New Year's Day (January 1) and International Workers' Day (May 1) are key national holidays.
• Christmastime tends to be religious and family-focused, while New Year's involves lively parties and fireworks.
• Good Friday is generally reflective, and Easter is emerging as a major children's holiday.
• The high tourist season runs from December through the first week of March.
• While the Catholic Church holds historical importance, Chilean society is becoming increasingly secular. When visiting religious sites, maintain respectful behavior and dress. Due to political polarization, remain neutral when discussing current events, particularly the sensitive topic of the Pinochet era (1973–1990). For greetings, men typically shake hands, while women or men greeting women use a light kiss on the right cheek. Always greet and bid farewell to individuals separately when entering or leaving a home or small gathering. At formal meals, it is polite to acknowledge offers and use 'con permiso' when leaving the table.