nPosted on September 6, 2018
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Key Points
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nWhat happens to a holiday celebrating a dictator who no longer rules a nation?
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It used to be that Chile celebrated the “Day of National Liberation” every September 11, by order of the dictator Augusto Pinochet. Since Pinochet was a military general, I’m thinking it was military parades?
It used to be that Chile celebrated the “Day of National Liberation” every September 11, by order of the dictator Augusto Pinochet. Since Pinochet was a military general, I’m thinking it was military parades?n
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nPinochet ruled Chile for about 17 years. He trampled on human rights, persecuting and imprisoning and torturing and even executing people who criticized him or disagreed with him. Like, a lot of people: he imprisoned tens of thousands and executed thousands! Pinochet was also guilty of corruption – he amassed many millions of dollars while in power.
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| Did you know that Chile has had a female president, Michelle Bachelet, two different terms since the Pinochet regime? |
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nIn 1990 Pinochet was replaced, and in 1998 he was arrested on multiple charges. He spent most of the rest of his life under house arrest.
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nIn 1998, Chilean lawmakers decided that the Day of National Liberation should be done away with. They substituted in another holiday, not tied to the dictator: Day of National Unity, which was to be celebrated the first Monday of September.
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nThe first celebration of the Day of National Unity was on this date in 1999.
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nIt was supposed to be a day of reconciliation between supporters of Pinochet and people who despised him. It was supposed to be a day of remembering the victims of Pinochet’s persecution.
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nBut the holiday never caught on. The main thing that occurred was clashes between groups who disagreed about Pinochet’s leadership and legacy. After three no-so-great “celebrations,” lawmakers decided to end the holiday.
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nA nation that evaluates its holidays – and changes them when appropriate – that makes sense!
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Anyway, Chile didn’t need to worry overmuch about getting rid of a holiday early in September, because Chile’s Fiestas Patrias are coming soon, as you can see here and here. These holidays take almost a week, with this year’s celebrations stretching from September 15 to September 19.
Anyway, Chile didn’t need to worry overmuch about getting rid of a holiday early in September, because Chile’s Fiestas Patrias are coming soon, as you can see here and here. These holidays take almost a week, with this year’s celebrations stretching from September 15 to September 19.n
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nAlso on this date:
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nReformer Jane Addams’s birthday
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nAnother Look Unlimited Day
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nUnification Day in Bulgaria
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Bonaire Flag Day
Bonaire Flag Dayn
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nAnniversary of Christopher Columbus sailing into the unknown
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nAnniversary of the completion of the first circumnavigation of the world
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nAnniversary of the Pilgrims setting off from Plymouth, England
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nAnniversary of the Puritans founding Salem
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nBirthday of many different composers
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nPlan ahead:
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Check out my Pinterest boards for:
Check out my Pinterest boards for:
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nSeptember holidays
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nSeptember birthdays
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nHistorical anniversaries in September
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nAnd here are my Pinterest boards for:
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