This city is a lively place both day and night thanks to a cultural heritage influenced by its Spanish, African, Jamaican, French and Chinese ancestry, where the atmosphere in its dilapidated narrow streets running down towards the bay alternates between lethargy and frenetic activity. While music is part of everyday life here all year round, it takes centre stage during Carnival when Santiago seems to enter a collective trance that sees it transformed into a charmingly chaotic city full of energy.