A country beyond the snow-capped Andes, Chile is of great interest to fans of mountaineering and skiing when the summer heat reigns in the northern hemisphere. Here are the bluest glaciers, the hottest volcanoes, the southernmost city on the planet and the richest cultural traditions. Chile is definitely worth a long flight, and any traveler dreams of being on the other side of the planet, who is thrilled and thrilled by the mere mention of South America.
Almost like in Italy
One of the most famous Chilean traditions concerns the national cuisine. The popular dish "pasta salsa con carne" is ordinary pasta with meat gravy, served by Chilean housewives for lunch and dinner, and even as breakfast. They are given to children in school and prepared for guests, and therefore pasta with meat is considered one of the national Chilean traditions.
By the way, about the school! The lessons here are positioned as communication with the teacher, and therefore the student can sit on the floor, calmly move around the classroom and approach classmates. Teachers explain the subject in a variety of visual ways and do not mind telling the topic again if someone doesn’t understand. But homework is not given in schools in the country. This Chilean tradition is enshrined in law by a presidential decree.
A handkerchief is not a luxury …
… but just a necessary attribute for performing the national cueca dance. The Chilean tradition of dancing in the squares and streets at first amazes foreigners, but very soon they get used to the bright spectacle and cute motive. The dance is designed to charm the lady you like and get her favored. Here, all means are good: rhythmic stomping with feet, and proudly straightened back, and even a handkerchief hovering over the dancer's head like a small banner. The enchanted lady finally gives up, and the happy gentleman takes her by the arm and takes her away to the applause of the audience.
It's better to celebrate in chorus
But the Chilean tradition of celebrating the New Year at the cemetery can shock even seasoned travelers. In many provinces of the country, there is a custom to go on the last evening of the outgoing year to the graves of ancestors and relatives, and there, in the circle of those who are now living and who have gone to another world, meet the next year. For greater convenience, Chileans take chairs with them, and set a festive table next to the grave.
