Fun and festivities in South Africa - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

Like people of most countries of the world, South Africans love all kinds of holidays and widely celebrate them. Both worldwide and national holidays of the state are celebrated here. Many South African holidays have roots going deep into antiquity. In the Republic, any celebration or festival is painted in the local color. At any time of the year, this country hosts celebrations timed to various holidays. The innate love for fun and well-developed fantasy make festivals and parties taking place in South Africa colorful and fiery.

New Year in South Africa starts with Cape Town New Year's Carnival. At this time, of dancing and singing people wearing bright costumes pass through the city streets. The Cape Cun Music Festival is held in the city from January 1 to 17. The majority of the local population professes Christianity, so Christmas is widely celebrated on December 25, as well as Thanksgiving Day.

On March 24, the Taste of Cape Town Food & Wine Festival begins in Cape Town. For several days, chefs from all over the country compete in who is the best to prepare various dishes of the national cuisine of South Africa, which was influenced by different peoples and countries. At the end of March and at the beginning of April, the Peach Festival takes place on the Tonteldoos farm. The farm is just a couple of hours drive from the capital of South Africa, so many fruit lovers come here to enjoy them. Peaches can be fresh or used for the preparation of a variety of dishes and even peach moonshine. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Easter is an official holiday in South Africa. It is widely celebrated in spring throughout the country. The city of Northam holds the OppiKoppi Folk Music Festival, while the most crowded event is a pilgrimage of people to Zion City. The day after Easter, South Africans celebrate Family Day. During its celebration, relatives visit each other's homes or go for picnics outside the city as families.

To see the multifaceted and diverse culture of such a multinational country as South Africa with your own eyes, be sure to check out Grahamstown National Arts Festival. From June 30 to July 9, all kinds of exhibitions, performances and concerts are organized as part of the festival. Talented people demonstrate to the public their achievements and creations in various arts. Every July, the small resort town of Knysna on the coast of the Indian Ocean becomes the venue for the Oyster Festival, which is very popular throughout South Africa. The highlight of its program is a competition in the preparation various dishes from these marine creatures. When the dishes are ready, there are eating contests. Another interesting event is the waiters' race demonstrating their art in serving ready meals and drinks to restaurant visitors. The festival program includes boat races, concerts, and many entertainment events.

The Whale Festival is annually held in late September in Hermanus, a town hidden in a beautiful bay on the Atlantic coast. The largest mammals on the planet swim here to give birth and nurse the offspring. Special observation platforms have been equipped on the rocks of the bay so that you can watch this process. During the festival, in the city, you can listen to lectures on whales or attend specialized seminars and exhibitions. Competitions and fairs are organized for kids. Art exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances are held throughout the city.

Every September Johannesburg hosts Living Art Festival. It has long become one of the most famous cultural events in South Africa. During its days, musical concerts, dancing and singing performances are held on stages throughout the city. The last day of the festival is traditionally dedicated to jazz. A big jazz concert is organized on the lake on the outskirts of Johannesburg. In November, in the city of Rustler, one of the most original holidays in South Africa is celebrated - Cherry Festival. Every year, up to 20,000 guests visit Rustler for its sake. The fragrance of fruit trees is everywhere, people enjoy picnics and competitions such as Miss Cherry Blossom and Miss Cherry Stone.