On this date in 1810, the first Junta de Gobierno (Government Junta) was formed, and the Chilean people embarked on an eight-year-long struggle for independence from Spain.

Many Chileans take advantage of the holidays and the good weather to travel and gather with friends and family. Kites fill the skies, and revelers dance the traditional cueca. Children and grown-ups alike might indulge in a sack race, fight to the top of a palo ensebado (greased pole), or even try a game of pillar el chancho, aiming to catch a very greasy pig!

Today’s Doodle, by Chilean artist Paloma Valdivia, celebrates the country’s pride in its diverse people and its bountiful natural resources. Each element of the Doodle carries a special meaning:

The Mapuche (indigenous people) and the huaso (Chilean cowboys) represent Chile's diverse people.
The mountain represents the Andes Mountain range, which stretches along Chile’s eastern borders and is home to some of the world’s tallest peaks.
The little red boat signifies the special relationship Chileans share with the sea and its resources.
The cactus represents the north of Chile, home to the driest desert in the world, the Atacama.
The penguin represents Chile’s Antarctic territory, base to several Chilean and international research stations. Remote Easter Island is home to the moai, gigantic monoliths carved by the Rapa Nui people centuries ago.
The majestic condor (among the world’s heaviest flying birds) and the bright red copihue (Chile’s national flower) symbolize the country’s rich biodiversity.

With so much to celebrate, we hope you'll join us in shouting a loud and happy ¡Feliz Dieciocho!