New Year's Eve

Every New Year’s Eve, Valparaiso throws a famous, exuberant fireworks show called the Pyrotechnic Festival. One of the best ways to see this event is on top of one of the city’s hills, like Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepcion. Also, another point to view the fireworks is from one of the boats that offers trips for that night around the harbor.

Regardless of where one watches this event, one should note that this event brings thousands of people to the harbor; there will be many people and a lot more traffic and congestion than usual on this day and the days leading up to this event. In fact, on December 31st , some people wake up early in the morning, claim a good spot on the hills and stay throughout the day at that spot to ensure a good view.

If one plans to make it to this fireworks show, one should buy their ticket in advance for the bus to Valparaiso. They should also book their hotel room or accommodation in advance as most places sell out. The visitor’s center at Muelle Prat can be very helpful and organize visitor’s plans for that day.

Harvest Casablanca Valley 2009

April 25 2009 will see the Casablanca valley 40Km from Valparaiso and 90km from Santiago host its first harvest festival.

The valley known for producing the best white varieties in Chile is in the middle of the harvest season and it has never put on such an event since the valley has become so popular for wine tourists and enthusiasts.

The festival will begin at around mid day and will be held in the town square.

The easy way to get to the town of Casablanca is by yellow taxi or bus from the Valparaiso bus terminal or with an operator conducting wine tours in the area.

For more information contact one of the following Casablanca wineries;

Casas Del Bosque

Emiliana

Viña Mar

Indomita

William Cole

Veramonte

Quintay

Kingston

Mateti

Regatta Off Valparaiso

Another great festival is the Regatta Off Valparaiso which is held in October. This is a traditional Chilean regatta which is organized by the city’s Naval Academy. In the regatta, 50 yachts compete for the win.