21st of May: Naval Glory Day (or Beth Anne's Experience Bring Around More Guns in One Day than She Has Been in Her Whole Life)

Yesterday, the 21st of May, was Naval Glory Days in Chile. The national holiday is a celebration of The Battle of Iquique, which was Chile's naval battle with Peru in 1879. Eventually, this war lead to the Chilean military taking control of land in the north, which at that time belonged to Bolivia and Peru. Since Valparaíso is a port city and boasts a large naval base, one of the country's main celebrations was here. The city filled with tourist and there was something for everyone since this holiday includes a huge parade, multiple protests, and the president giving his state of the union speech. From my gringa perspective, I found this holiday interesting for several reasons.


First, Chile actually lost The Battle of Iquique. I was shocked when I learned we were celebrating a battle that they not only lost but also the same battle that Arturo Prat, their famous commander, perished. Although Chile eventually stole land from won the war against Peru, the whole celebrating a loss baffled me. I could not think of a single big American holiday where we celebrate a day we suffered a major loss.


Second, Chile apparently lost a bunch of land in the South. One of my friends, who works for the Navy, explained that while Chile's navy was fighting up north near Peru, Argentina seized the moment to steal some Chilean land in the south. The ironic twist is that the Argentinians recently realized this land has a lot of oil. Now Chile has another thing in common with Peru and Bolivia, they all want their historic land back. 


Third, while we were waiting for what felt like a really long time for the parade to start, my friend almost got pick pocketed. Thankfully that didn't happen thanks to a lovely little Chilean couple who was standing next to us and altered us. 


Fourth, I have never been around so many guns in my life. For real. I was actually a little worried. Here is just part of what I am talking about- 

Fifth, I found the uniforms to be quite funny. Not only were there several different kinds but some were just bewildering-

Ikea called. They would like their lampshades back. 

These "backpacks" looked like seat cushions. 

Who still uses bayonets? 

These hats befuddle me.

Female uniforms included red lip stick and black purses. 

Swords with gold handles!

They love swords and hats here. 

Drums!

It was like a free concert...

...kind of

Some people really know how to find a good view-

 And lastly, the protesters were out and getting beat up-

Of course the Chilean police were waiting for this to happen...

Party onward (with confetti!)...