166 CultureShock! Chile
sometimes a harp, accordion, piano and tambourine. In the
north, a brass or reed band is sometimes the accompaniment.
The spectators keep time by clapping.
Most Chileans will tell you that cueca evokes the mating
ritual of hens and roosters and there is a good basis for this
observation. The cueca is a courtship dance, but for all the
sensual interpretation, it does not seem to be a very sexy
dance. Cueca is no lambada with erotic pelvic thrusts! The
couple do not touch while dancing cueca. If you go to a
fonda, no doubt you will be invited to dance the cueca. Don’t
be shy! It’s a fun and easy way of showing Chileans how
much you enjoy their country.Army Day
Army Day is celebrated with a large military parade at Parque
O’Higgins, in Santiago. The parade is televised live on all
channels and lasts about four hours. Every division of the
Armed Forces and Carabineros is represented. There is an
unofficial competition among the baton leaders of each of
the four military academies to see who can goose-step the
highest. Other highlights include the army mountain troops,