|  Valparaíso's
famed New Year's Pyrotechnic Festival takes place
every December 31, lighting the sky with a spectacular fireworks
display that can be seen throughout the city. A memorable way
to see the show is atop one of the hills, such as Cerro Alegre
or Cerro Concepción, or from one of the several boats that
offer special excursions around the harbor. Ask at the visitor's
center at Muelle Prat about making arrangements; reservations
need to be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance, and you need to set sail
before the port closes at 9pm. Plan where you'd like to be, arrive
early, and expect to stay late, as heavy crowds make movement
difficult.
 Another
highlight during October is Regatta Off Valparaíso,
a traditional Chilean regatta organized by the Arturo Prat Naval
Academy, featuring more than 50 competing yachts. At the time
this book went to press, the exact weekend was not known, so call
the visitor's center.
|
