Heritage Day is not just a showcase of our country’s rich cultural diversity, it is a celebration of our constitution!
Heritage Day is a South African public holiday celebrated on 24 September. On this day, South Africans across the spectrum celebrate our culture and the diversity of our beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people.
Former South African President Nelson Mandela concisely explained it when he said the following in a Heritage Day speech: “When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation”.
5 Things to do in Bloemfontein this Heritage Day
Whether you’re looking into celebrating your heritage in a special way or simply looking for something to do, Heritage Day is the perfect opportunity to join forces with your fellow Saffas for a day out, celebrating our country’s incomparable sights, sounds, tastes and personalities.
Here are a couple of very cool recommendations you can do on Heritage Day here in Bloem:
#1 Naval Hill Parkrun
Start your Heritage Day morning with a run on the beautiful Naval Hill – the parkrun is FREE and loads of fun! Invite your friends and family and join +800 parkrunners every Saturday 8am (7am as from October Summer times). The run starts and ends at the famous Madiba Statue.
Register free on www.parkrun.co.za and print your unique barcode to scan at the finish of every run. Run starts 8:00 this Saturday, 24th of September.
*For more info go to www.parkrun.co.za or like their Facebook page Naval Hill Parkrun
#2 Have a coffee and koeksister at Stereo Café
Do yourself a favour and follow up your morning run with a delectable coffee at Stereo Café in Second Avenue, Westdene. A local favourite, Stereo Café is famous for their speciality coffee made with freshly roasted coffee beans roasted weekly on their premises.
This Saturday pop in for an authentically South African koeksister and delicious freshly brewed coffee. Our favourite is the Hazelnut Latte.
*For more info find Stereo Café on Facebook
#3 Support a great cause • National CUPCAKE DAY for Kids With Cancer 2016
Mark tomorrow, 24 September, 9:00 at Loch Logan Waterfront with LARGE LETTERS in your diary! Forget the diet for one day and come support this amazing cause by donating R10 for a gorgeous, yummy cupcake, baked and decorated by fantastically big-hearted volunteers. September is children cancer awareness month, so please support this wonderful initiative and make a difference this Heritage Day.
*For more info find Cupcakes 4 kids with Cancer on Facebook
#4 Visit the proudly South African art exhibitions at the Oliewenhuis
When in the Free State, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein is a must. It’s situated in a striking neo-Cape Dutch building and features work by top South African artists, a superb restaurant and magnificent gardens.
Take a stroll through the beautiful Art exhibitions, pack a picnic basket and enjoy a leisurely brunch on the gorgeous lawns of the Oliewenhuis.
*Find more info on the Oliewenhuis website
#5 Invite your friends for an epic Braai
Heritage day, unofficially known as Braai Day – thanks to the efforts of Jan Braai and National Spokesperson for Braai Day Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu – families, friends and strangers unite around the country celebrating South Africa’s unique heritage and building bridges by chucking a tjoppie on the fire.
Across race, language, region and religion, we all share one common heritage. It is called many things: Chisa Nyama, Braai and Ukosa to name few. Although the ingredients may differ, the one thing that never changes is that when we have something to celebrate we light fires, and prepare great feasts.
So whatever your heritage, may you have a fantastic day filled with friends, family and wonderful celebrations.
#proudlysouthafrican #localislekka
*Sources: Wikipedia, Travel24, Heyevent.co.za, braai.com
