chilean celebration feasts
One of the best things about arriving in a new city is to discover it awash with festivities. Not only is this a chance to join in all the fun, but as Sean Kennaway discovered on his Intrepid Patagonia trip, it also gives you an ideal opportunity to sample some mouthwatering food…
“I was lucky enough to be in Chile between 18-19 September, during Fiestas Patrias, the country’s most important national days. This is a time when the whole country erupts in celebrations to remember the beginning of their independence process in 1810.
We were staying in Pucon and German, the hostel owner, was kind enough to put on a traditional Fiestas Patrias lunch for us. This feast consisted of huge empanadas (pastries filled with minced beef, onions and vegetables), meat skewers served straight off the barbeque and all washed down with a healthy dose of red wine. What a way to celebrate!
During Fiestas Patrias government buildings must fly the Chilean flag, but it seemed like everyone had decided they’d join in, and the country was awash with flags. In fact, most taxi drivers thought it was necessary to fly two flags off their taxis!
After watching parades of local social groups march through the main street of Pucon we headed back to the hostel for our late lunch.
We were very lucky to have a glorious afternoon at Donde German Hostel. We watched the sun set while sharing our Fiestas Patrias feast with German and his wife Maria Helena, with the snow capped Villarica Volcano as a our stunning backdrop!”
To find out about travelling with Intrepid and for your chance to WIN a trip in every edition, subscribe to Intrepid Express, our free e-newsletter. Plus you can become a fan of our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter!
