On This Day
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Chile declares independence from Spain, celebrated today as Chile's National Day

The Fiestas Patrias (literally Homeland Holidays) of Chile consist of two days, with a third one added on some years: 18 September, in commemoration of the proclamation of the First Governing Body of...

The Fiestas Patrias (literally Homeland Holidays) of Chile consist of two days, with a third one added on some years:

18 September, in commemoration of the proclamation of the First Governing Body of 1810, and marking the beginning of the Chilean Independence process.

19 September, known as the "Day of the Glories of the Army".

Since 2007, 17 September (if it should be a Monday) or 20 September (if it should be a Friday) will be included as well.

Since 2017, 17 September (if it should be a Friday) will also be included.

Within Chile the Fiestas Patrias are often referred to as the Dieciocho, or "18th" because the celebration occurs on 18 September. Unofficially, the celebration can last for around a week, depending on when it falls.

Historical Significance

The Fiestas Patrias (literally Homeland Holidays) of Chile consist of two days, with a third one added on some years: 18 September, in commemoration of the proclamation of the First Governing Body of 1810, and marking the beginning of the Chilean Independence process.

Events Before

  1. Holland Brigade under Brigadier-General David Hendrik Chassé reaches Madrid during the Napoleonic Wars

    Holland Brigade under Brigadier-General David Hendrik Chassé reaches Madrid during the Napoleonic Wars

  2. First run of 2,000 guineas horse race at Newmarket, England

    First run of 2,000 guineas horse race at Newmarket, England

  3. La Paz, Bolivia, declares its independence from the Spanish Crown and forms the Junta Tuitiva led by Pedro Domingo Muril

    La Paz, Bolivia, declares its independence from the Spanish Crown and forms the Junta Tuitiva led by Pedro Domingo Murillo, the first independent government in Spanish America

  4. The Royal Opera House opens in London

    The Royal Opera House (ROH) is a theatre in Covent Garden, central London. The building is often referred to as simply Covent Garden, after a previous use of the site.

  5. Napoleon Bonaparte divorces Empress Joséphine by French Senate

    Napoleon Bonaparte, later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a French general and statesman who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led a series of military campaigns across...

Events After

  1. US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)

    US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)

  2. First US colonists on the Pacific coast arrive at Cape Disappointment, Washington

    First US colonists on the Pacific coast arrive at Cape Disappointment, Washington

  3. Venezuelan Declaration of Independence: Seven provinces declare independence from Spain

    The Venezuelan Declaration of Independence (Spanish: Acta de la Declaración de Independencia de Venezuela) is a document drafted and adopted by Venezuela on July 5, 1811, through which Venezuelans...

  4. English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (19) elopes to Scotland with 1st wife Harriet Westbrook (16)

    Percy Bysshe Shelley ( BISH; 4 August 1792 – 8 July 1822) was an English writer who is considered one of the major English Romantic poets.

  5. British East India Company force led by Baron Minto conquers Java, then part of the Dutch East Indies. Stamford Raffles

    British East India Company force led by Baron Minto conquers Java, then part of the Dutch East Indies. Stamford Raffles is appointed lieutenant-governor.

More from the 1810s

Leading Romantic poet Lord Byron (27) marries Anne Isabella Milbanke (22) by special licence, at Seaham Hall in County D

Leading Romantic poet Lord Byron (27) marries Anne Isabella Milbanke (22) by special licence, at Seaham Hall in County Durham

Field Marshal Blücher's troops cross the Rhine at Kaub

Field Marshal Blücher's troops cross the Rhine at Kaub

US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)

US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)

French church annuls marriage of Napoleon I and Empress Joséphine

Joséphine Bonaparte was the first wife of Emperor Napoleon I and as such Empress of the French from 18 May 1804 until their marriage was annulled on 10 January 1810.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 18, 1810?
The Fiestas Patrias (literally Homeland Holidays) of Chile consist of two days, with a third one added on some years: 18 September, in commemoration of the proclamation of the First Governing Body of 1810, and marking the beginning of the Chilean Independence process. 19 September, known as the "Day of the Glories of the Army". Since 2007, 17 September (if it should be a Monday) or 20 September (if it should be a Friday) will be included as well.
Why is Chile declares independence from Spain, celebrated today as Chile's National Day significant?
The Fiestas Patrias (literally Homeland Holidays) of Chile consist of two days, with a third one added on some years: 18 September, in commemoration of the proclamation of the First Governing Body of 1810, and marking the beginning of the Chilean Independence process.

Explore More

September 18 in HistoryYear 1810