Bandera Bicentenario, National flagpole at Plaza de la Ciudadanía, Santiago, Chile
The Bandera Bicentenario is a large Chilean national flag mounted on a galvanized steel pole at Plaza de la Ciudadanía in central Santiago. The pole stands about 61 meters tall above ground, and the flag itself is roughly 27 meters long and 18 meters wide.
The flag was first raised on September 17, 2010, to mark the 200th anniversary of Chilean independence, with former presidents and national leaders present. It was created as part of the bicentennial celebrations as a symbol for the country.
On the first Sunday of each month, a flag-raising ceremony takes place at the pole, with the Mounted Instrumental Band of the Cavalry Regiment playing the Chilean national anthem. Locals and visitors gather in the open square to watch this monthly ritual together.
The pole stands on the Plaza de la Ciudadanía, an open square near the center of Santiago that is easy to reach by Metro Line 1. The area can get crowded on national holidays and during large public events, so arriving early helps for a better view.
The nylon flag was made in the United States and then brought to Chile for its first raising. Children from different regions of the country took part in that first ceremony, giving the event a nationwide character from the very start.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
