This past week has been very busy and exciting here in Santiago. Chileans were preparing for their independence day on September 18. The children at elementary schools danced Cueca, the national dance of Chile, for their parents and teachers, public parks held large outdoor festivals called fondas, and the air was filled with kites and the smell of barbecues. Here are some highlights from this past week’s assignments and Fiestas Patrias. Be sure to check out my multimedia piece!

TV host Felipe Camiroaga died tragically in the Juan Fernandez plane crash. His ashes were driven through Santiago and fans paid their respects.

Here are a few of my favorite singles from Escuela Básica Lumen Viae. To see the mutlimedia piece I made about the event, click here.

Elementary students at Básica Lumen Viae show off traditional Chilean dances for teachers, family and friends on Sept. 15, 2011.

Here are some shots from Independence Day weekend – the party here goes on for four days, not just one or two.

Typical Chilean asado for Fiestas Patrias on Cerro San Cristobal.

A couple waits for results of the Cueca competition at one of the many fondas (large outdoor festival).

Cueca competition at the fonda.

Spectators try to get a view of the military parade at Parque O'Higgins.

Spectators at the military parade in Parque O'Higgins.