Page 42 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

40  INTRODUCING SOUTH AFRIC A
SOUTH AFRICA THROUGH

THE YEAR

There are many festivals and events in host festivals to mark a variety of
South Africa, which are generally well occasions: the start of the oyster and
organized and attract enthusiastic crowds. wildflower seasons; the citrus, apple or
South Africans love a good get-together, grape harvest; even the arrival of the
and while the long, sunny days of summer southern right whale from its Arctic
provide the perfect environment for breeding grounds – all are cause for
outdoor celebrations, there is still plenty celebration. The arts, music, religion,
going on in the cooler months, both language and sport also take their
inside and out. Cities, towns and villages places on the cal endar of events.

Whale Festival (last week in October
Spring Sep), Hermanus (see p226–7). Currie Cup Finals (late Oct),
All across the country, but From early spring onwards, Rugby match between the
especially noticeable in southern right whales and their two best provincial teams.
the semiarid Western and calves can be seen close to The location varies from
Northern Cape regions, the shore in and around Walker Bay. year to year.
onset of warmer weather Prince Albert Agricultural Macufe (Mangaung
raises colourful fields of wild- Show (Sep), Prince Albert Cultural African Festival)
flowers. In wildlife reserves (see p231). The Southern Cape (Oct), Bloemfontein (see
throughout South Africa, the village proudly pp376–7). Jazz, gospel,
newborn of various species celebrates its kwaito and classical
will soon be seen. agricultural music, plus
heritage with a drama, comedy
September show featuring and arts
Arts Alive (Sep), Johannesburg arts and crafts, and crafts.
(see pp314–15). An exciting horse displays, food Bosman
urban arts festival, with stalls and Weekend (Oct),
performers ranging from entertainment. Groot Marico. A
world-class musicians to Kalahari Kuierfees Orchids from Darling celebration of
children eager to show off the (Sep), Upington (see writer Herman
skills they have acquired at p372). Music, choir contests Charles Bosman in the town
the workshops. and fun on the Orange River. where many of his stories are set.
Wildflower Show (late Sep), Magoebaskloof Haenertsburg Rocking the Daisies (Oct),
Darling (see p215). The Spring Festival (Sep–Oct), Darling (see p215). A popular
show displays the unique Magoe baskloof. A bustling arts, music festival showcasing
West Coast flora and crafts and entertainment fair, top South African bands,
cultivated orchids. held in a forest setting. as well as comedy, children’s
entertainment, wine tastings
and a food and craft market.
Durban Diwali Festival (Oct),
Durban (see pp286–9). The
3-day Hindu festival of lights,
with classical Indian dancing, a
float parade and fireworks.
November
Cherry Festival (third
week in Nov), Ficksburg.
Celebrates South Africa’s
commercially-grown
cherries and asparagus.
National Choir Festival
(Nov–Dec), Inkosi Albert
Luthuli International
Convention Centre, Durban
(see pp286–9). The culmination
The Oude Libertas open-air amphitheatre of a national competition.

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