Events & Festivals in Chile

Major folk and roots music festival held in a natural amphitheater in the hills. Focuses on Chilean and Latin American folk, nueva canción, and singer-songwriters. A more family-friendly and laid-back alternative to Viña.

The world's most famous off-road endurance rally, which often includes Chilean stages. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and quads race through extreme desert and mountain landscapes, attracting huge crowds along the route.

Celebration of Chiloé Island's unique culture, mythology, and cuisine. Features traditional Chilote music, dance, crafts, and foods like curanto (seafood stew cooked in a pit). Highlights the island's distinctive palafitos (stilt houses).

A major international theater festival transforming Santiago into a stage. Features avant-garde plays, street performances, and classic works from Chilean and global companies. Many free open-air performances in public spaces.

A celebration of Chilean rural huaso culture preceding the music festival. Features rodeo demonstrations, traditional crafts, folk music, and Chilean cuisine. A more roots-oriented counterpart to the main international song festival.

Latin America's oldest and most prestigious song and music festival. Held in the iconic Quinta Vergara amphitheater, it features international pop stars, comedy acts, and a song competition. Expect massive crowds, passionate 'monos' (audience), and round-the-clock entertainment.

A two-week cultural festival on Easter Island celebrating Rapa Nui heritage. Includes traditional competitions like Haka Pei (downhill sledding on banana trunks), body painting, music, dance, and the election of the festival queen.

Valdivia's premier summer festival celebrating its riverine culture and German heritage. Highlights include a spectacular nautical parade with decorated boats, fireworks, folk music, and abundant German-style food and beer.

A massive Andean carnival in the north, blending Aymara traditions with contemporary celebration. Dozens of troupes in spectacular costumes perform dances representing different communities and legends, accompanied by brass bands.

Celebrations in Chile's central wine valleys marking the grape harvest. Includes grape stomping, wine tastings, traditional music, and the crowning of a harvest queen. The largest is in Curicó, but events occur in Casablanca, Colchagua, and Maule valleys.

The national championship of Chilean rodeo, the country's traditional rural sport. Huasos (cowboys) and their horses demonstrate skill in guiding a calf around a medialuna (arena). A deep dive into criollo culture with music and food.

A local harvest festival celebrating chicha, a traditional fermented apple/grape drink, and new wine. Features grape stomping, folk music, local cuisine, and the election of a harvest queen. A more rustic and authentic alternative to larger vendimias.

National holiday commemorating the Battle of Iquique. Main ceremony is in Valparaíso with a presidential speech, naval parade, and air show. Coastal towns nationwide hold smaller ceremonies and boat parades.

A fishermen's festival honoring the patron saint of seafarers, celebrated in coastal towns nationwide. The highlight is a colorful procession of decorated fishing boats carrying the statue of San Pedro through the harbor, asking for protection.

The largest religious festival in northern Chile, honoring the Virgen del Carmen. Thousands of dancers in elaborate devil costumes perform for days in a mesmerizing blend of Catholic and indigenous Andean devotion.

A unique film festival dedicated to 'recovered' cinema—restored classics, forgotten gems, and archival footage, often with a focus on Latin America. Held in Valparaíso's historic theaters, it's a cinephile's dream.

Chile's biggest national holiday commemorating independence. Celebrated nationwide with fondas (traditional fairgrounds), rodeos, cueca dancing, empanadas, and terremotos (a typical drink). The climax is on September 18th, but festivities last a week.

Chile's most important international film festival, known for its focus on documentary, Latin American cinema, and avant-garde works. Features competitions, retrospectives, workshops, and open-air screenings.

Chile's largest and most important book fair. Features hundreds of national and international publishers, book signings with authors, literary talks, workshops, and activities for children. A paradise for bibliophiles.

Free, open-air jazz festival held in a Santiago park. Features a mix of renowned international acts and top Chilean jazz musicians across multiple stages. A relaxed atmosphere with food stalls and a sophisticated crowd.

A day to remember and honor the deceased. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves with flowers, especially chinitas (marigolds). A quiet, reflective holiday rather than a festive one like Mexico's Día de Muertos.

A major mass-participation cycling event where thousands of amateur and professional cyclists ride on closed roads through Santiago and into the surrounding foothills of the Andes. Distances vary from 40km to 140km.

One of Chile's largest and most important traditional crafts fairs. Hundreds of artisans from across the country showcase pottery, textiles, woodwork, and basketry. Perfect for finding authentic, high-quality souvenirs and Christmas gifts.

Traditional Christmas market set in Santiago's main square. Stalls sell nativity scene figurines (pesebres), decorations, crafts, and holiday treats. The giant city Christmas tree and nativity scene are centerpieces, with a festive atmosphere.

One of the largest and most spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks displays in South America, launched from multiple points across Valparaíso's iconic bay and hills. Hundreds of thousands gather along the coastline to watch.