Chile is a predominately Catholic nation and as such celebrates the Easter week with a great deal of hoopla. Starting with Good Friday, every town in the country holds religious ceremonies, parades and events.

On the first Sunday after Easter, this interesting event is held mostly in the towns of central Chile. Huaso cowboys parade through the streets of the towns accompanied by Catholic priests, who pay visits to the sick and disabled.

Taking place a couple of weeks after Labour Day, this memorial holiday honours the past glories of Chile’s navy. In particular, the Battle of Iquique in 1879 is commemorated. The president delivers his annual speech to Congress and the mood around the country is generally patriotic.