Chile formally declares independence from Spain, on February 12, 1818, the first anniversary of the pivotal victory over the Spanish at Chacabuco by the forces of Argentinian Jose San Martin and Chilean Bernardo O'Higgins. The signing of the Act of Independence by Supreme Director Bernardo O'Higgins took place in Talca.
This was followed by the decisive victory over the Spanish in April 1818 at the Battle of Maipú. Chile's independence was formally recognized by Spain in 1844, when full diplomatic relations were established.
Chile's official Independence Day, known as Fiestas Patrias or "El Dieciocho," is celebrated on September 18th, commemorating the formation of its First Governing Junta in 1810, which started its independence process from Spain.
