If you plan to visit Chile or live there for a period of time, you'll find that there are many interesting events and festivals that take place throughout the year. When living in Chile, it can be fun to absorb some of the local culture and flavor by frequenting some of these festivals and events. If you are planning a vacation to Chile, you might even want to plan your trip around one or more of the festivals. Although of course there are plenty of smaller local festivals and events to sample, here is a list of some of the more well-known ones.

January

The Annual Love Parade in Santiago is a popular event that attracts thousands of yearly visitors. This celebration features music, food, drink and of course plenty of parades and floats. If you visit Yumbel in January, you might want to plan your trip around the Feast Day of San Sebastian. This popular festival, which honors one of the patron saints of Chile, attracts thousands of visitors. This festival kicks off with a procession, with onlookers wearing the patron's colors - red and yellow.

February

February brings maritime activities and competitions to Valdiviana, host to the Semana Valdiviana festival. This festival includes a beautiful fireworks display and candlelit boats on the river, among many other sights and activities. The Feast of the Virgin of 40 Hours is another impressive celebration, which takes place in Limache. If you are a music lover, plan to visit Vina del Mar in February for the Festival of Song, which is a music festival spanning multiple days.

April

Easter, known as Semana Santa, is a very important holiday week in Chile. You'll find plenty of parades, floats and celebrations to enjoy. In fact, many people like to plan their trip to Chile around the Easter holiday.

June

June marks two more patron saint celebrations. In late June, the Fiesta de San Pedro honors Saint Peter with a midnight procession, as well as dancing that continues through the night into the morning hours. Saint Peter and Paul's Feast Day is also celebrated in June. Since Saint Peter and Saint Paul are the patron saints of fishermen, you'll find celebrations taking place along the country's coastal regions.

September

There are several celebrations focused on Chile's nationality and independence taking place during September. Rancagua hosts Independence Day celebrations as well as other events leading up to this important day in Chile's history. The celebration of Fiestas Patrias is also devoted to Chile's nationality and independence, featuring plenty of music and dance.

November

The Festival of Foreign Colonies takes place in Antofagasta. This event celebrates the heritage and culture of the country's many immigrants, featuring dance, music and food. Santiago also hosts arts and crafts exhibitions during this time period, which feature the works of artists from many countries.

December

In addition to Christmas, December also brings the annual religious Virgen de lo Vasquez Pilgrimage. The La Fiesta Grande is also celebrated in Andacollo, which is a mining town. This festival, devoted to the patron saint of the area's local mines, features cultural events and plenty of music.

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