If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
Heritage Day is celebrated in South Africa on the 24th of September. Here is a list of things you and your loved ones can do to celebrate your culture and the diversity of beliefs and traditions in our beautiful rainbow nation.
1. Enjoy a South African inspired meal
Heritage Day is also known as Braai Day. No matter the race or colour, South Africans love a good braai day. It’s not just a fantastic culinary experience, but it’s also a fantastic way to bring people together.
English writer, poet, philologist, and academic J.R.R. Tolkien, once said, “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
2. Learn more about other cultures
We need to spend time learning about other people and their cultures to improve our mutual understanding now, more than ever. If you can’t make it out for Heritage Day, Google Arts & Culture can help you learn about history, different cultures, art, and traditions.
Local artists and museums have created several South African collections, tales, and online displays. It’s a fun and engaging way to learn about our history and other cultures while relaxing at home. Heritage Day is, therefore, what Suzy Kassem writes in Rise Up and Salute the Sun, “Build bridges, not walls.”
3. Enjoy our nature’s beauty
There is no doubting that our tremendous natural beauty is a part of South Africa’s legacy. South Africa’s natural beauty is enormous, from its magnificent oceans to its mountains and wide savannahs.
This Heritage Day, take some time to appreciate what South Africa has to offer in this area. If the weather permits, go for a hike, a day at the beach, or perhaps a safari. It is a time to “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” —Albert Einstein
4. Attend an event (virtually or in-person)
James Tagg, founder, and director of the online events platform, Quicket, said since the pandemic, they’ve seen several creative options come through for Heritage Day this year.
“For example, you can take in your natural heritage with a beautiful rustic hike and braai, share a boerie roll and chakalaka on a five-star yacht cruise with friends, or tell stories around a potjie in the Winelands. Online, you can ruminate on culture as part of a heritage conversation series or sit back and enjoy a foot-tapping Maskandi concert,” said Tagg.
This Heritage Day, may we reconnect to the habits that feed our well-being. Happy Heritage Day!
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