South Africa Festivals

South Africa has a feisty history – and on the sports field it is possible to glimpse not only the extremely competitive nature but also the team spirit that lives in this great country’s soul. Aside from the 2010 World Cup which is looming on the horizon, the annual winter Rugby and summer Cricket season is considered part of the natural heritage.

It is a testament to the country’s character to note that many of the current holidays celebrated have their origins in apartheid culture.

What: Comrades Ultra Marathon
Where: between Durban and Pietermaritzburg
When: It is celebrated on 16 June every year
Why: The world famous Comrades ultra marathon traditionally takes place on Youth Day public holiday. During the previous regime this day was called Soweto day and referred to a famous protest for better schooling in Soweto during which the police killed 700 people – many of them children. For more information visit www.comrades.com  

What: The Simons Town Annual Penguin Festival
Where: Simons Town, Western Cape
When: Held annually during a September weekend
Why: Celebrating the equal rights for penguins of course! Penguins are an icon of Simon's Town and are found at the town's Boulders Beach Ecosphere. The festival includes a craft and flea market, conservation displays and live music. www.simonstown.com/penguinfestival/

What: The Klein Karoo Arts Festival (KKNK)
Where: Oodtshoorn, Klein Karoo
When:  March to April annually
Why: The Klein Karoo Arts Festival with Afrikaans music, theatre and art festival. Hundreds of shows feature over 750 artists mainly from South Africa but also from Belgium and Holland over 40 venues. It is extremely popular and pre-booking is advisable. Visit the festival webiste to find out more: www.kknk.co.za/?lang=en

What: The Grahams town National Arts Festival
Where: Grahams Town, Eastern Cape
When: 26 June-5th July
Why: It is Africa's largest and most colourful cultural event and includes flea markets and over 500 shows of every description and catering for every taste! The festival has its roots in festivals started by British immigrants who were keen to have English language festivals but has grown to include drama, dance, opera, music, visual arts, films, lectures and tours of the city. Today the festival reflects the array South Africa's culture and though mostly conducted in English other African languages such as Africaans, Zulu and Xhosa are also widely used. To find out more and to pre-book visit www.nafest.co.za or call +27 (0)46 603 1103

What: The Midmar Mile
Where: Midmar Dam, Kwa Zula Natal 
When:  February.
Why: It is the world’s largest Open Water swimming event and draws athletes and Olympic medallists as well as people who just want to join in. The distance is roughly a mile depending on the rainfall. When rainfall has been meagre, contestants sprint across the shallows first.  More information www.midmarmile.co.za

31 March 2008