There are fondas for big and small towns, which offer different things for different people. Some fondas are more geared towards younger people or kids, while some are for older people who want to relax rather than party.
Independence was a hard-fought battle for Chileans many years ago, but as time has gone on, most of the fighting spirit has now settled. Now, most people are simply just happy to be Chilean! While the year has been hard, and life has its ups and downs, what matters most to the community is that they are here again to celebrate who they are, which are fun-loving, strong Chileans.
It is important, especially because it is a nationally recognized time for everyone to just take a little break. Many people receive bonus checks from work just to celebrate with their families and assured time off to sit back, enjoy some music and buy an anticucho at a fonda! Traditions and Chilean culture stay alive through the yearly celebration. While the original sentiment of being a strong fighter against the Spanish is not as relevant now, it is seen as a time to see your friends and family and revisit what being a Chilean means!
While the overall land of Chile is celebrated as a concept, in terms of actual celebration of the forests, plains and deserts, it depends on where you are! In Santiago, it is not as connected as it is in the more rural communities. In places farther south, deiciocho is seen as a way to also celebrate the local farmers and specifically, the Chilean cowboy, called a huaso! The huaso is a known figure in Chile.
