Culture Shock! Chile - A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Enjoying the Culture 167

dressed in white uniforms complete with skis strapped across
their back and Saint Bernard dogs. The commandos can be
recognised by their corvos, knives especially designed to
disembowel an adversary. Some parade in period uniform.
These troops invaded southern Peru during the War of the
Pacific and became notorious for the use of these knives.
Even today mothers in southern Peru warn their children not
of the boogieman, but of the terrible Chilean.

HUASO CULTURE

During Fiestas Patrias you will see a greater than normal
number of people dressed as Huasos. The Chilean cowboy, or

Chilean children dress up like Huasos during Fiestas Patrias.