Popular festivals in South Africa that should be on your bucket list
Out of all the countries in the African continent, South Africa stands out from the rest due to its festivals. The festivals in South Africa aim at entertaining people, while still giving them a taste of the vibrant South African music. The events in South Africa are limitless. They could be music festivals or art festivals.
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In all the festivals in South Africa, the primary thing most people tend to enjoy is South Africa music. Be it jazz, Afro-pop, soul, or RnB; one is promised a great night during the South African music festivals.
South African festivals
If you are looking to travel to this beautiful country, then you need to be aware of the festivals held in this city. It will help you pack the best outfit to attend these celebrations. Here is a list of music festivals in South Africa;
1. Splashy Fen Music Festival (Durban)
Splashy Fen Music Festival is the longest-running festivity and oldest celebration in this beautiful country. It takes place in Durban. The festivity celebrates life, music, art, people, love laughter, fun, and enjoyment. The celebrations occur within the world heritage site known as The Drakensberg. Splashy Fen Music Festival of 2019 ran from the 18th of April to the 22nd of April.
2. Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival
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The Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is held in downtown Johannesburg. The 3-day festivity celebrates urban music, arts, design, and film. The festival aims at recognizing and elevating South African creativity, especially for artists from the Johannesburg area.
3. Oppikoppi Bushveld Festival
The Oppikoppi Bushveld Festival is held in August at Northam, north of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Oppikoppi was formally a rock festival, but with time, the festivity has grown significantly and now has a few stages where jazz and folk artists, house DJs, and comedians can entertain the crowd. The formal campground located at the bottom of the hill is still existent, although an RV site has complemented it.
Arts festivals in South Africa
The list of South African art festivals includes;
1. Grahamstown National Arts Festival
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is one of the biggest and most popular arts festival held in South Africa. The 11-day festival is held in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, and spreads over to 90 venues in Grahamstown. The arts festivity includes everything from art to music, film, lectures, theater, and dance, and workshops. Given its popularity, visitors are always advised to plan ahead. The 2019 Grahamstown National Arts Festival will be held on the 27th of June to the 7th of July, 2019.
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2. Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK)
Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees is one of the well-known art festivals in South Africa. It occurs in March at Oudtshoorn. KKNK began as a tradition in 1994 and has eventually grown exponentially to become a movement. During this event, the visual and performing arts of the country are celebrated.
Music Festivals in Cape Town
The list of music festivals Cape Town includes;
1. Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
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One popular event held every year in this town is the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival or the Kaapse Klopse in Afrikaans. Traditionally, the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival was being held on the 2nd of January. However, currently, the festivity commences on the 1st of January and continues throughout the first week of each year. The event includes teams of costumed minstrels, parading through the gorgeous streets of Cape Town while playing traditional music and jazz. The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival attracts tens of thousands of fans annually from all over the globe.
2. Cape Town International Jazz Festival
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one of the most anticipated musical extravaganzas in Africa. It goes down in late March or early April. The two-day event grants visitors a taste of mix local and international tunes, with artists performing on five different platforms for an audience of more than 30,000 people.
Other popular events in South Africa
This list includes events such as;
1. Knysna Oyster Festival
Knysna Oyster Festival is held in July at the Garden Route town of Knysna. More than a hundred events take place, including eating challenges, the Knysna Forest Marathon, shucking contests, and cycle tours within the area. Dignitaries refer to the event as “the finest 10 days of winter,” making it an excellent tribute to the humble oyster.
2. Ficksburg Cherry Festival
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The Ficksburg Cherry Festival is the oldest crop festival held in South Africa. It goes down in November at Ficksburg. Since it is a cherry festivity, cherry product competitions are always organized. In addition to these activities, the event also organizes marathons, cherry tours, exhibitions, games, and more.
3. South African Cheese Festival
Another top event in the country is the South African Cheese Festival, which is held in April at Stellenbosch. The celebration offers the prime opportunity to culinary experts looking forward to showcasing their skills. Celebrity chefs and beginners attend the event to celebrate food. The star of the meal is always cheese!
4. Hermanus Whale Festival
One of the first and significant eco-marine festivals of South Africa is the Hermanus Whale Festival. The festivity aims at celebrating the ocean and its inhabitants. The event is held in September at Hermanus since this is the best time to go whale watching.
Are you planning to visit South Africa? If so, then there are multiple festivals in South Africa that you need to attend. They range from music festivities, art, food, cheese, to whale sighting!
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Source: Briefly News
