A Look Ahead at the 2011 National Calendar

Posted in National Holidays by www.artourismchile.com on January 5th, 2011

Perhaps you’ve resolved for 2011 to sit around on the couch flipping through the laundry list of Direct TV travel channels a little less and actually get out and finally take a worthwhile vacation this year. After all, in terms of unique culture and scenic beauty, few, if any nations, rival what Chile has to offer for residents and visitors alike. For those actually planning their calendar in advance and looking to book a trip, there is no better time to travel to Chile than on one of the country’s national holidays, many of which will look familiar no matter your country of origin, but others taking on new meaning in terms of Chilean significance. As you will notice, the country’s substantial Christian population plays a major part in shaping the holiday schedule.January 1 New Year’s DayApril 22 Good Friday (religious holiday)April 23 Holy Saturday (religious holiday)May 1 Labor DayMay 21 Navy Day, also known as Battle of Inquique Day, concides with the Chilean “State of the Union”June 27 Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day (religious holiday)July 16 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Day (religious holiday)August 15 Assumption of Mary (religious holiday)September 18 Fiesta Patrias (Day 1 of 2 Day Independence Celebration)September 19 Day of the Glory of the Chilean Army (Day 2 of 2 Day Independence Celebration)October 10 Columbus Day, also known as Race Day or Anniversary of America’s DiscoveryOctober 31 Reformation Day (religious holiday)November 1 All Saints Day (religious holiday)December 8 Immaculate Conception (religious holiday)December 25 Christmas Day (religious holiday)December 31 Banking End of the Year (financial institutions closed)