Every May 15, Chile celebrates National Pisco Day, an annual tribute to one of the country’s most beloved spirits. Pisco, a grape-based brandy, is deeply rooted in Chilean culture and plays a significant role in the national economy.
The celebration is not only a toast to tradition but also a recognition of Chile’s pisco-producing heritage, especially in the regions of Atacama and Coquimbo. Throughout the country, this day is marked by a variety of cultural and promotional activities, including fairs, tastings, and local festivals.
Upcoming Events to Celebrate Pisco Day
To mark this important date, several events will take place in the coming days and weeks across the Atacama, Coquimbo, and Metropolitan regions. These include:
- Pisco Festival Alto del Carmen – May 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Plaza de Armas, Alto del Carmen.
- Pisco Festival Vallenar – Saturday, May 24 starting at 12:00 p.m. at the Municipal Nursery of Vallenar.
- Pisco Festival Vicuña – June 7 and 8 in the Plaza de Armas, Vicuña.
- Cuna del Pisco Festival, Paihuano – Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 a.m. at the Cooperativa Control Pisquero venue in Pisco Elqui.
- Pisco Festival Ovalle – Saturday, May 17, starting at 12:00 p.m. at the Cooperativa Control Pisquero.
- Pisco Festival La Serena – May 15 and 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Plaza de Armas, La Serena.
- Cultural Landscape of Pisco Seminar – Thursday, May 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Teatro Centenario, La Serena.
- Pisco Revolution Festival Ñuñoa – May 30 and 31, from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Av. Irarrázaval 4280.
The Origins of National Pisco Day
Chile’s connection to pisco dates back to colonial times, with production centered in the regions of Atacama and Coquimbo. In 1931, a decree was passed declaring that only grape brandy made in these regions could legally be labeled as “pisco”. This was a pivotal moment in protecting and promoting Chilean pisco’s unique identity.
To further honor this designation, on May 15, 2008, representatives from the government and the pisco industry agreed to officially commemorate the date. A 2009 decree formalized the celebration, establishing that the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with private producers, would organize annual events to honor National Pisco Day.
A National Pride
Over the years, Chilean pisco has gained international recognition, often competing and winning at global spirit competitions. This celebration each May 15 not only supports producers and promotes tourism but also reinforces pisco’s cultural significance in Chilean identity.
