Today, June 21, the National Day of Indigenous Peoples is commemorated in Chile. Even though this holiday civil law is not inalienable, most shops, supermarkets and shopping centers will operate as usual. However, it is possible that some establishments make adjustments to their hours at their own discretion.
It is recommended to verify the information through the communication channels of the shops who wish to visit that day. The choice of this date to celebrate the Day of the Indigenous Peoples is due to the fact that it coincides with the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere.
For native peoples, the holiday June 21 represents a new beginning for both people and nature, according to their different beliefs. This commemoration arose with Supreme Decree number 158, issued by the government of President Eduardo Frei Ruíz-Tagle on June 24, 1998.
This decree establishes the recognition, respect and protection of the ethnic groups that make up the indigenous peoples, as well as their culture, customs and values. The month of June still has another holidayon June 26, in which Saint Peter and Saint Paul are commemorated.
This day is not inalienable either. These are the last holidays before the winter holidays, which begin on August 15 with the celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin, followed by national holidays in September.
