Chile’s National Day festivities made special by visit of Esmeralda
Print Edition
THE Chilean community in Shanghai comes together usually around September 18 every year to celebrate the National Day of Chile. It is a tradition everywhere to organize a big party for this special day and celebrate the Independence of Chile with compatriots and friends.
A group of parrilleros (barbecue men) throws a big party for all Chileans in the city. This spontaneous initiative has been crucial for the creation of the Chilean community in Shanghai, aiming to bring together all Chileans living here and make them feel closer to home.
In this celebration, the pro bono organizers start by preparing Chilean empanadas — a kind of bread or pastry, similar to Chinese jiaozi but fried or baked and stuffed with meat, boiled eggs, onions and raisins. Another crucial part is the barbecue accompanied by Chilean wine and, of course, pisco — one of our typical drinks.
We have food, we have drinks, but what is a party without some music and dancing? In the party, many couples show off their skills on the dance floor performing cueca, our national dance. People from all ages spend a lovely time together in this activity, which by the end of the day is a celebration of the Chilean family — family is one of the main values in our culture.
Here in China it is common to see not only fully Chilean families but also some mixed ones like Chilean-Chinese, all united by the love for Chile.
This year was a special celebration. On September 13, we welcomed the Chilean Navy’s School Vessel La Esmeralda (the emerald) to Shanghai. The Esmeralda is a pride for all Chileans and is one of the icons that unite us as a country. The Esmeralda, also known as the Dama Blanca or the White Lady, fought in several wars and battles.
The vessel that visited Shanghai is the sixth ship with this traditional name La Esmeralda. The first one was owned by the Spanish Empire, built in 1791 and taken over by the Chilean Navy in 1820. Later, different ships with the same name were destroyed, sold and rebuilt. The current Esmeralda was built in 1954 and since then has served as the Navy’s School Vessel of Chile.
The distance between the port city of Valparaiso in Chile and Shanghai is 18,771 kilometers. But that distance magically vanished for the Chilean community in Shanghai with the visit of Esmeralda. The vessel has made eight previous trips to China and with every visit the friendship between China and Chile has only got stronger.
The first time the ship visited China was in 1972 and the last time was in 2007. She was received by Chinese authorities and docked at the military port of Shanghai. Everything worked perfectly and it was organized in an impeccable manner with the Chinese navy and the Chinese authorities.
Many activities took place on board the Esmeralda this year, including dinners. Visitors could even take tours and got to know the ship better. One of the most touching moments for the Chilean community was the Catholic Mass held on board of the vessel despite the typhoon raging that day. The Esmeralda has a crew of more 300 people from different countries, which includes a Catholic priest and a Christian minister. When the ship sailed, two Chinese marines boarded it and will travel with the Esmeralda back to Chile.
The most prominent marine on Esmeralda is Captain Arturo Prat. Born near Ninhue in Chile, he has been closely linked with the ship all his life. At the age of 12, Prat was already on board the Esmeralda and rose to become a captain.
The Chilean lawyer and marine also took part in several battles and is recognized as a hero and evokes respect and admiration. Prat represents the most intrinsic values of Chilean people. Maybe that is why the Chileans feel so good in China. We have similar values and share the same bravery to work for our ideals and for the future of our nations.
It is difficult to explain the feelings that Chileans have for the Esmeralda and how this old ship connects Chilean people all around the world. She is one of our national icons.
In elementary schools, children sing songs and take part in plays representing the heroic battles of the Esmeralda.
Every year at the end of May it is common to see children dressed in white uniform, acting as marines and signing songs of Chile. Throughout our childhood, we read novels about the brave crew and the battles of the White Lady. That is why every visit of the Esmeralda is always a celebration for the Chilean community and this year our September festivities in Shanghai were made unique by its presence.
It is a reminder of our national values, attitude toward life and a reason of feeling proud to be a Chilean.
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