In South Africa Heritage Day is a mix: this means going to the Mosque before having a Braai with friends and the sounds of Mafikizolo playing in the background. Heritage day can be eating Halaal and Koscher and saying Enkosi and Grace. Heritage day means celebrating your heritage with a ‘dop’, raising your glasses to 'Harry die Strandloper' and shouting Laduma!

"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.” - Former President Nelson Mandela in an address marking Heritage Day in 1996.

Heritage Day (24 September) takes place in the warm, fresh and buzzing season of Spring, making it ideal to have a good time outdoors over the long weekend.

Heritage Weekend Events 21 – 24 September 2007:

Heritage Day: Hermanus Whale Festival

This is a not to be missed eviro-arts festival taking place in the seaside town of Hermanus.

Heritage Day: Knysna Gastronomica Festival

Situated between lush forest and a breathtaking lagoon this is an ideal spot to welcome back spring and celebrate Heritage Day.

Heritage Day: Darling Wildflower Show

Take time out and smell the wildflowers in the quaint town of Darling.

Heritage Day: Paarl Cultivaria Festival

This spectacular event is not just another festival, but rather a unique opportunity to enjoy a variety of memorable events feeding mind, body and soul.

Heritage Day: Plettenbergbay Whiskey, Whale and Jazz Festival

Catch a glimpse of magnificent whales, taste an assortment of whiskeys and soothe your soul with some excellent South African Jazz.

Heritage Day: National Braai day

Join the rest of South Africa around the fire on the 24th of September.

Read about Heritage Day Events in our Events Section. Subscribe to our free Newsletter to receive more information on all South African Public Holidays, tours and destinations.