Summer Festivals in Chile

It is summer in Chile, and with it, a number of regional festivals take place throughout the country, highlighting rich traditions, local food, music and dancing. Here we highlight a few, to make the best experience while exploring Chile.

In the northern city of Iquique, the Tambo Andino Festival will take place between the 29th of January and the 2nd of February for the 14th time. This festival is a large gathering of Aymara and Quechua native people and highlights their traditions, with the best of their culinary traditions, music and dancing. Over 80 stands with arts and crafts will complete this 5 day festival. Wonder at the colors, music and particular dancing of the distinct northern Chile native peoples.

Visit Iquique and the Tambo Andino with our Self Drive Northern Chile Highlights

The mystical island of Chiloé has a celebration every summer. Every weekend, throughout the archipelago, every town takes turns organizing a festival. Local music, dancing and, especially, its particular food, including the Curanto. This meal is made by digging a hole in the ground, heating up rocks, then adding shellfish, pork, sausages, and potato dumplings, the covered up with Nalca leaves to let it cook for over 1 hour. This is a summer meal, traditionally used to share with neighbor’s, especially after a Minga, a collaborative communal work, with no cash payment, to help out one of the members of the community.

The largest Fiesta Costumbrista takes place in the city of Castro, the main city of the Island, and takes place from the 19th to the 23rd of February 2020.

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In Frutillar, in the Chilean Lake District, and for the 52nd consecutive year, the "Semanas Musicales de Frutillar" will take place, with the Teatro del Lago as its main venue. This is the southernmost opera house in the world. The festival will take place between the 27th of January and the 5th of February. It features more than 40 classical concerts performed by both Chilean and international artists. The program includes music and composers from different periods as well as famous Chilean and international performers and conductors, chamber orchestras, choirs and soloists. In addition to the events that take place in Frutillar, other nearby towns also hold free concerts and it is easily accessed via Puerto Varas. From Puerto Varas it is also easy to get to Chiloe Island

Get the most of the Lake District with our Magic of The Lakes or our Self Drive Programs.