Today (Sept. 18) is Chilean independence day and they celebrate it big. Part of the celebration is dressing up "de Huasos" and dancing a traditional dance.  Here is a mother and her son dressed up for the occasion.

And here I am kind of dressed up for the occasion.

Eating is a big part of the celebration, too, and I celebrated as much as anyone.

Closest to my right had is an empanada - one of my favorites since my Argentina days. Next to it is a little bread thing with icing. The pink drink is called a terremoto (earthquake). I told them I was surprised that people in Chile would name anything they enjoyed an earthquake. The other drink is Mote con Huesillo. Mote is wheat that has been softened and huesillos are dried peaches that get reconstituted when added to the drink. This drink is very popular and is sold roadside through the summer and fall. I don't feel the need to try it again.

For some reason I couldn't upload a video which is too bad because it was the highlight of the evening. Two men provided live music and the little girl below, with Downs Syndrome and dressed in the holiday garb, was dancing and having a great time at it.