18- september (the false independence)

In Chile, September 18, 1810, was realize the "first meeting national of government", and much people confused this date with the Independence of Chile, that was in February 12, 1818 (8 years after). By a strange reason, is considerate the 18 of September a date more important that the real independence, that can be, because the first meeting national of government was the first step for wean our country.
This date then is very interesting, because cause much discussions about the real celebration of "patriots parties". Even, the last year was celebrating erroneously the bicentennial, where the government spread a campaign of “two hundred of Chile". All the country celebrate, but hurriedly (i think).

All the years a lot of people wait with enthusiastically these celebrations, because there are many food, games, dances and practices very typical that don´t realize during the rest of the year, and they return to feel Chilean. Everyone likes to eat empanadas, choripanes,anticuchos y asados, dance cueca (and ultimately dance cumbia and reggaeton too, that has been lost much of our identity). Each year, the celebration is more globalized, because the fairs and fondas are less craft, and more "plastic and Chinese".

 I feel so heartache when reflect about our ancestor, they fought for us, but the people only recongnizes "big heroes" in this date, as Bernardo O´Higgins and José Miguel Carrera. Apparently we forgot past struggles when "mapuches" defend our territory of the Spanish people. That should be celebrated.

Well, the situation today is more accepted for all, because every day is more normal for us feel, look and be a part of the changes in the society, but not all is bad, still are very funny the celebrations in our country, and the 18 of September is one of them.

27/02/2010

well...when the heartqake was started, I got up quickly to accompany to my mother, because she fears to the movement of the earth. To reach the first floor, I found to my parents embraced and very scared, I hugged him too and we got under the door frame. From there I can see how the lamppost moved of right to left. Then, the movement ceased, and my neighbors left to the street. We make a bonfire to stay together till it dawned. We were very scared and in a "shock", never imagine that happen. During two days don´t have electricity, but at least have telephone line to talk with our family. When the electricity get, and lit the TV, we can see the terrible images to the rest of the country, were very surprised by the magnitude of the disaster.
Following days was more calm down, my brother visit us and led us water. My mother try to be more quiet and I accompained she.