Empanadas . . . spicy meat pies . . . are one of the main attractions at every Chilean celebration. Clockwise from left are Dina, Alejandra, Erika, and Katerina.
Spring comes to Chile in September, and with it, the celebration of Chilean Independence Day. The official date is the 18th . . . “dieciocho” in Spanish. But Chileans love celebrations, and they stretch this one out for at least two weeks. At Casa Ursulina, our women dedicate extra time and effort toward preparing the annual “peña,” a fiesta that brings together neighbors, friends, and family for a long evening of food, fun, music and dancing. The peña is Casa Ursulina’s main fundraiser, providing much needed support for maintenance of the house and its programs. Luisa Espinosa, one of our faithful Casa Ursulina women, sent these photos of this year’s celebration.
![CLARINA Y SU ESPOSO A CARGO DEL ASADO EN HORNO DE BARRO[1] ed](https://ursulinesmsj.org/wp-content/uploads/CLARINA-Y-SU-ESPOSO-A-CARGO-DEL-ASADO-EN-HORNO-DE-BARRO1-ed.jpg "CLARINA Y SU ESPOSO A CARGO DEL ASADO EN HORNO DE BARRO[1] ed")
![URSULINOS A CARGO DE LA PARRILLA[1] ed](https://ursulinesmsj.org/wp-content/uploads/URSULINOS-A-CARGO-DE-LA-PARRILLA1-ed.jpg "URSULINOS A CARGO DE LA PARRILLA[1] ed")
![EMPANADAS FRITAS DE PINO CON PONCHE[1] ed](https://ursulinesmsj.org/wp-content/uploads/EMPANADAS-FRITAS-DE-PINO-CON-PONCHE1-ed.jpg "EMPANADAS FRITAS DE PINO CON PONCHE[1] ed")
![MIMI PRESENTADO EL CONJUNTO[1] ed](https://ursulinesmsj.org/wp-content/uploads/MIMI-PRESENTADO-EL-CONJUNTO1-ed.jpg "MIMI PRESENTADO EL CONJUNTO[1] ed")
![REPRESENTACION DE FIESTA EN CAMPO CHILENO[1] ed](https://ursulinesmsj.org/wp-content/uploads/REPRESENTACION-DE-FIESTA-EN-CAMPO-CHILENO1-ed.jpg "REPRESENTACION DE FIESTA EN CAMPO CHILENO[1] ed")
![CONJUNTO FOLKLORICO[1]ed](https://ursulinesmsj.org/wp-content/uploads/CONJUNTO-FOLKLORICO1ed.jpg "CONJUNTO FOLKLORICO[1]ed")
![DJ's[1] ed](https://ursulinesmsj.org/wp-content/uploads/DJs1-ed.jpg "DJ's[1] ed")
![INTEGRANTES DEL CONJUNTO[1] ed](https://ursulinesmsj.org/wp-content/uploads/INTEGRANTES-DEL-CONJUNTO1-ed.jpg "INTEGRANTES DEL CONJUNTO[1] ed")