Cultural Facts about Chile

Chile is one of the most harmonized countries in Latin America. The country has a rich history and is relatively peaceful. Unlike many other Latin American countries Chile is not one that suffers from conflicts based on regional or ethnic problems. The rich cultural heritage of Chile is what attracts millions of tourists around the world.

Art and Literature:

Chile has a whole host of contributors to literature. Famous Nobel Prize poets Neruda and Gabriela Mistral have played a large role in the world of literature. Their homes have become famous tourist spots where many Chileans and foreign tourists come to visit.   

Music:

Folk music from Chile has gained international fame especially in the 60s. Music has played as an important tool for political reasons as many singers have used it as a platform to get their message across. During the 70s many singers who were exiled from Chile used music to also get their message to European and American audiences.

Dance:

To accompany music there are many dances that go with them. The national dance of Chile is Cueca. It is thought to have Spanish and African influences. Dancers wear traditional Chilean clothing and both men and women dance together. The dance is usually performed in the countryside and during festivals.

Festivals:

Religion plays a massive role in Chile and there are many festivals that are related to religion. The Fiesta de la Tirana is an annual festival that is usually held in northern Chile. It takes place on July 16th and honors Virgen del Carmen. It is one of the largest festivals in the country and can attract up to 250,000 visitors.

Cinema:

Many Chileans love their cinema. The cinema of Chile has a very long history and some of the earliest films were created there. During the 1970s the cinema really evolved in the country. Films became more experimental largely due to Dutchman Joris Ivens.

Food:

The country has a wide range of traditional foods. The country’s food is largely a combination of Spanish, European, Middle Eastern and Chilean cuisine. There are a wide range of flavors that are offered to visitors. Chile also has a wide range of seafood thanks to its long coastline.

Sport:

Tennis is Chile’s most successful sport as its national team has regularly done well. Other sporting events such as basketball, cricket, rugby, football and polo are also very popular amongst Chilean people. Traditional sports such as Chilean rodeo are very popular in the rural areas.

The rich culture of Chile is what attracts the hundreds of people to the country. The strong traditions of the country are reflected in the art and music worlds.