South Africa is a country with vibrant art and culture. There are many annual festivals held in the country – from the highly-anticipated ones to the traditional ones that must be observed – these monumental festivals are all cherished by the citizens who ensure that the preparations and eventual celebrations turn out to be worthwhile for participants.
Here are the 10 best festivals in South Africa:
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (Kaapse Klopse)
This is an annual celebration of the new year in Cape Town. Also known as Kaapse Klopse or the Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Parade, during this festival, thousands of people from dozens of bands that go on the streets colourfully adorned. Each group make their presentations in successive turns. Although the festival is usually held on January 2, it was held on January 4 in 2020.
Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
The 26th edition of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival was held in Western Cape in 2020. A vibrant Afrikaans festival that features art, dance, music and theatre, it began as a replacement to the Grahamstown festival.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
There are a lot of attendees who annually troop to this two-day festival. Thus, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one of the largest music celebrations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Splashy Fen Music Festival
Splashy Fen Music Festival is South Africa’s longest-running festival usually held in the Drakensberg is an annual celebration of music, arts, and people.
Grahamstown National Arts Festival
This annual festival is the largest and most prominent arts festival in South Africa. An 11-day festival, it is usually held across 90 venues in Grahamstown. Created to celebrate all styles and genres, the main and fringe program is observed equally. An all-inclusive festival, visitors are advised to plan ahead.
Knysna Oyster Festival
The Knysna Oyster Festival is one of the best festivals in South Africa for families to gather and explore the featured events such as Pick n Pay Cape Times Forest Marathon and the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Cycle Tour.
Oppikoppi
Rated among the top 5 festivals in the world, this music festival has grown into a celebration of over 20,000 attendees that features over 160 international sets from just 2,000 attendees to celebrate rock in 1995.
Rocking the Daisies
Annually held in Cape Town, Rocking the Daisies is a music and arts festival that presents a wide range of entertaining activities – from music and entertainment to yoga, magic, and virtual reality.
Thai Poosam Kavady Festival
This festival is the most traditional festival for South Africans of Indian descent. It is celebrated by the Tamil population in Durban. Celebrated across the world over a period of 10 days in devotion to Lord Murunga, it is a festival for those looking to practice Hinduism in Mzansi.
Ficksburg Cherry Festival
This festival is acclaimed as the oldest crop festival in South Africa. Attendees can get their fill of abundant food and beverages at this large annual event. Children also get to participate in the games. There are also side attractions such as cherry product competitions, cherry tours, marathons, and exhibitions.
