(photo taken September 2008)Yes, September in Chile is upon us. The Mes de la Patria (Month of the Homeland!) It is such a festive time of year and one that I personally enjoy very much. Although the official holiday is September 18th, already special events have begun to celebrate Chile's heritage. Grocery stores are stocking up on child-sized traditional dresses and schools are preparing their annual programs to highlight the diversity and beauty of this country and its rich history.
Last Friday, we attended an event at one of the larger schools in Iquique. Wisely they got a jump on the festivities by holding their special program early in the month, complete with children performing the traditional dances and parents and students hosting stands where you could play games or purchase freshly grilled choripanes, tasty empanadas, and delicious anticuchos. Truth be told, it was chaotic and crazy with literally thousands of children and parents milling about, but it was fun to participate for a short while and enjoy some of the food and fanfare.
Next week, we will celebrate with our church family on Sunday; with the girls at their school program on Tuesday; with Owen at his pre-school event on Thursday; and with the married couples at church on Saturday. So be prepared for lots of pictures and posts of the fun times we'll be experiencing here in Iquique!
A friend and fellow missionary blogger, David Flinck, is doing a several-part series on September in Chile which is quite fascinating. You can read his posts at http://www.chilejournal2.blogspot.com/. Also, if you'd like to see how our family has enjoyed celebrating the month of September the past two years we've been in Chile, you can always visit our blog archive. But the very best thing you can do is come visit us in Chile in September sometime. Our door is always open and we'd love to introduce you to this special holiday in person. :)
Viva Chile!
Last Friday, we attended an event at one of the larger schools in Iquique. Wisely they got a jump on the festivities by holding their special program early in the month, complete with children performing the traditional dances and parents and students hosting stands where you could play games or purchase freshly grilled choripanes, tasty empanadas, and delicious anticuchos. Truth be told, it was chaotic and crazy with literally thousands of children and parents milling about, but it was fun to participate for a short while and enjoy some of the food and fanfare.
Next week, we will celebrate with our church family on Sunday; with the girls at their school program on Tuesday; with Owen at his pre-school event on Thursday; and with the married couples at church on Saturday. So be prepared for lots of pictures and posts of the fun times we'll be experiencing here in Iquique!
A friend and fellow missionary blogger, David Flinck, is doing a several-part series on September in Chile which is quite fascinating. You can read his posts at http://www.chilejournal2.blogspot.com/. Also, if you'd like to see how our family has enjoyed celebrating the month of September the past two years we've been in Chile, you can always visit our blog archive. But the very best thing you can do is come visit us in Chile in September sometime. Our door is always open and we'd love to introduce you to this special holiday in person. :)
Viva Chile!
4 comments:
Stephanie, thanks for stopping by our blog! It is so amazing how our network grows from blog to blog. It is always a joy to meet another sister in Christ serving the Lord! Blessings to you and your family!
How fun! I loved hearing about this celebration and your sweet family!
The costumes are lovely on these fantastic kids of mine. Mom
I would love to visit in September!
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