Page 44 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

42  INTRODUCING SOUTH AFRIC A

Autumn
When deciduous trees and
grapevines begin to shed their
leaves, a new round of country
fairs is ushered in. The harvest
festivals of many small towns
celebrate crops such as potatoes
and olives – even sheep and
gems are cause for cheerful get-
togethers. A number of wine
festivals are held, from Paarl in
the fertile Western Cape to Kuru-
man in the arid Northern Cape.
March More than a million followers of the Zionist Church gather at Easter
Cape Town Carnival (second
weekend in Mar), Cape Town. April Two Oceans Marathon
Rio-style carnival with parades Zionist Church gathering (Easter), Cape Town. This 56-km
of colourful floats, music and (Easter), near Polokwane (35-mile) marathon (see p39)
street parties. (formerly Pietersburg, see p338) around the Cape Peninsula
Rand Show (Mar–Apr), in the Limpopo Province. More is a qualifying race for the
Johannesburg (see pp314–15). than a million followers of Comrades’ Marathon.
What began as an agricultural this African Chris tian Klein Karoo Arts
show has become a blend of church gather at Festival (Apr),
enter tainment and consumerism. Moria (also known Oudtshoorn
Lambert’s Bay Kreeffees (Mar), as Zion City) (see p232). A
Lambert’s Bay (see pp214–15). over the Easter mainly Afrikaans
Kreef is Afrikaans for crayfish, weekend; it is cultural festival.
and fees means both festival the largest Prince Albert
and feast. Stalls sell West Christian Olive, Food
Coast seafood, and there are gathering in & Wine
also live bands. South Africa. Festival (Apr),
Cape Town International Jazz Fire-walking Prince Albert
Festival (late Mar), Cape Town (Easter), Umbilo (see p231). Live
(see pp124–47). A two-day affair Hindu Temple, music, a cycle race,
featuring nearly 40 international Durban. Devout and an olive-stone
and African acts performing on Hindus, after care ful Devotee at a Hindu temple spitting competition,
five stages. The musical extra- spiritual prepara- plus plenty of food
vaganza is accompanied by tion, walk uninjured across and wine tasting.
photo graphic and art shows. a bed of red-hot coals. Splashy Fen Music Festival
(last weekend in Apr), Splashy
Fen Farm, Under berg, Kwa-
Zulu-Natal. A popular festival
with performances in main-
stream, alternative, folk and
traditional music styles.
Pink Loerie Mardi Gras
(Apr–May), Knysna (see p244).
A four-day gay festival,
with charity-led events,
exhibitions and food stalls.
May
Calitzdorp Port and Wine
Festival (May), Karoo (see p234).
A celebration of the region’s
famous port-style wine.
Franschhoek Literary Festival
(third weekend in May), Fransch-
hoek (see p204–5). A community
library fund-raising showcase
for the best local talent, as well
Amusement park at the Rand Show in Johannesburg as international authors.

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