Heritage Day (Public Holiday)

South Africa celebrates its cultural diversity with concerts and events on this Public Holiday


South Africa's Heritage Day is an invented “Nation Building” public holiday where South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions.

After years of Apartheid the Heritage Day public holiday is an attempt by the government to bring South Africans together in mutual understanding of each others’ respective cultures.

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”.

This statement by Madiba reinforces the notion that South Africa and its future is owned by its people.

Molo says: The Heritage Day public holiday is usually accompanied by beautiful spring weather. So use the opportunity to try one of the exciting things to do in our active in nature section or at attend one of the (often free) concerts celebrating Heritage Day.

Learn more about South African Public Holidays:


New Years Day

Human Rights Day
Good Friday
Family Day
Freedom Day
Workers Day
Youth Day
National Women's Day
Day of Reconciliation
Christmas Day
Day of Goodwill


There is always something special happening across the country on public holidays, so keep an eye on our events section for updates as well as other amazing events happening in and around Cape Town throughout the year.

For updates on happenings in and around Cape Town for kids, for you or for the whole family, be sure to subscribe to our free monthly Editor's Picks Newsletter and follow us on Twitter.

 

Cape Town Events Calendar
September 2010
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
Table Mountain shortlisted for New7Wonders of Nature

It’s up to you to vote for Table ...

St. Patrick’s Day Parties in Cape Town

It’s even more fun NOT to have fun on ...

Sprint Selflessly in Cape Town’s First Sport Relief ...

Walk, Jog, Sprint and Rise To The Challenge

A Charismatic Kwaito Chat with TKZee

We caught up with one of the masters of ...

Patricks2St. Patrick’s Day Parties in Cape Town

It’s even more fun NOT to have fun on St. Patrick’s Day

neighbourhood barTop Ten Insider Tips for Cape Town Carnival

The Cape Town Carnival will swoop into the CBD in all its magnificence, on ...

jewel africa 2A Sparkling Piece of the City

You’ll be able to say “I do” know all about diamonds after ...

Cape town carnival greenmarket squareThe Cape Town Carnival inside out

Rio style South African Carnival promises to spice up the inner city

Internship in Cape TownGiveawaysMapsTravel Tips