Heritage Day, celebrated on the 24th of September, is one of South Africa’s new public holidays when South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions and beliefs and the rich diversity that makes up the nation of South Africa.
It’s a day when South Africans have the chance to share their culture and express their national unity.The official government definition of ‘heritage’ is to include all that people inherit – music, history, wildlife, monuments, literature, art, languages, culinary traditions and folklore.
The theme for 2017’s Heritage Month is ‘Reclaiming, restoring and celebrating our living heritage’. This year, South Africans can take part in a variety of things including:
Free access to Heritage hot spots
As part of this cultural celebration many of South Africa’s heritage sites, museums and places offer free entrance during the week leading up to Heritage Day. These include the prestigious Iziko Museums across Cape Town – which are all free to the public from the 19th to the 25th of September. Take a trip to the South African Museum, the South African National Gallery, the Slave Lodge, Koopmans-De Wet House or the Bo-Kaap Museum. During this week there will be events taking place for the whole family to enjoy.
South African National Parks (SANParks) is also offering free access to nearly all of its 21 national parks from Monday the 18th to Friday the 22nd of September 2017 in order to better acquaint locals with their culture or heritage. To gain free entrance, simply present your SA ID at the time of entry.
Heritage events here and abroad
Cape Town is festive
Cape Town will be celebrating with a two-day festival (22nd – 23rd of September) featuring African art, music crafts and cuisine as well as showcasing local businesses including restaurants, fashion stores and hair salons. Expect live cultural bands, DJs, performers and…plenty of culture.
Details: For more information, please contact theafrofest@gmail.com or +27 (0) 827 51 2898.
Pretoria gets musical
The Capital Day Festival is bringing some of South Africa’s biggest music acts together for a Heritage Day celebration like no other. Expect great music, food, a kids zone…and braaing. Just bring your sunscreen, a hat, picnic blankets and your dancing shoes.
Details: 24th September at Harlequins Club Pretoria. Gates open at
12 pm, Show starts at 1.30 pm and finishes at 9 pm. For tickets visit http://www.capitalday.co.za/
The UK starts braaing
Expats in the UK have created a #tastesunshine celebration inviting all South African expats and their friends to Mannings Heath on Sunday 24th of September 2017, 12 pm – 4 pm. Here in 500 acres of stunning Sussex parkland you can braai, enjoy vintage garden games, listen to a steel band, have a round of golf and even do some wine tasting.
Details: Mannings Heath Golf Club & Wine Estate, Hammerpond Road, Horsham, RH13, West Sussex – Tel: 01403 210 228
The Irish are partying
The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Ireland, together with the South African community in Ireland is holding a Heritage Day Celebration in Dublin. Expect to party down with a host of talented South African musicians and enjoy great South African cuisine. There will be face painting and games for the young and old alike. Bring your friends and share your great heritage.
Details: The Polo Club, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, 12 pm – 5 pm
The UAE are roasting
Roasting, braaing…it’s all happening at the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club on September the 29th 2017. The whole family is invited to come and celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures,
and beliefs that make up the nation of South Africa. A Braai Boss contest will be held – where under the guidance of esteemed judges, teams will have to rise to new challenges to be crowned the next Braai Boss!
Details: Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. Gates open from 11 am. For tickets visit: http://heritageday.me/
From everyone at FinGlobal, we wish South Africans across the world the very best on this special day and hope you enjoy your Heritage Day celebrations with your friends and family.