The Bay of Plenty’s Chilean community is gearing up for its biggest celebration of the year – and everyone’s invited to the fiesta!

The day that Chileans in their home country began fighting for independence from Spain – on September 18, 1810 – is now a week-long public holiday in Chile.

This year, in Tauranga, the occasion is being marked with a day of festivities at Pāpāmoa’s Gordon Spratt Reserve on Saturday, September 14.

“We wait all year long for this big event,” laughed organiser Marcela Rodriguez.

“The Chilean Independence Festival is happy, friendly, and high energy with plenty of traditional food, music and dancing. We love to share what we’re doing with the rest of the world.”

From 11am on September 14, festival-goers are invited to bring a picnic blanket to enjoy a full day of market stalls and Chilean food trucks, including a barbecue with El Jefe meats, Mount Delice artisan ice creams, ceviche, empanadas, churros and sweets while watching performances on the stage.

Camila Pino, left, and Devo Olivares. Photo: John Borren.

“There will also be a kids’ zone with a play area, face painting, games and activities,” said Marcela. “There will also be a prize for the best costume of the day.”

After 6pm, alcoholic Chilean drinks like pisco and terremoto will be available with dancing until late.

“In Chile, we celebrate our independence for a full 10 days with family and friends,” said Marcela. “It’s only the second time we’ve held a public event, and we’d love people in the Bay of Plenty to come see a little of our culture.”

The Chilean Independence Festival is at Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa, on Saturday, September 14 from 11am until late.

- SunLive