Looking for something different? Visit these six quirky festivals across South Africa.
Bushveld Festival, Lephalale
4 to 7 July 2012
Don your wide-brimmed hat and practise your langarm for the 25th running of this festival which celebrates agricultural activities. Expect cattle and dog shows, a game auction and showjumping. Take part in the 4×4 battle or bird-and-tree identification contests. Costs R50 an adult and R20 for kids between six and 12. Cell 082-061-1382, email [email protected], www.bosveldfees.co.za.
Garlic Festival, Stellenbosch
1 September 2012
Believed to ward off cancer, colds and vampires, this potent little vegetable has been used medicinally for thousands of years since Greek and Roman times. Join fellow garlic lovers for the inaugural Garlic Festival at the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market. Indulge in all things garlic, from oils and sausages to breads and even ice cream. At the same time, stock up on fresh garden vegetables, nuts, spices, coffee beans and locally made goods. There will also be plenty of fresh parsley. Tel 021-886-8514, cell 072-416-4890, email [email protected], www.slowmarket.co.za.
Gold-Panning Championships, Pilgrim’s Rest
1 to 7 October 2012
Go back in time with gold-panning courses, try traditional foods such as tripe and pap and potjiekos or participate in the wheelbarrow race. The popular pub crawl includes historical pubs and shebeens and on the Sunday teams can try their luck at gold-panning to win prizes. Tel 013-768-1060, cell 082-522-1958, email [email protected], www.sagoldpanning.co.za.
Cherry Festival, Ficksburg
15 to 17 November 2012
First held in 1967, this is one of the longest-running crop festivals in South Africa. Every year 25 000 visitors descend on this Free State town. Expect a jam-packed weekend of cherry picking and tasting, farm tours, mountain biking, and a pip-spitting competition. An entrance fee is payable. Tel 051-933- 6486, email [email protected], www.cherryfestival.co.za or www.goficksburg.co.za.
Frog Festival, Chrissiesmeer
17 November 2012
These wetlands are home to 13 species of frogs and once a year amphibian lovers hop to this town for a night of frogcatching for scientific research. This year you can attend a talk, followed by a walk to record frog sounds on your cellphone which a herpetologist will identify. Expect to pay about R180 (including dinner). Tel 082-929-1219, email [email protected], www.chrissiesmeer.co.za.
Chilli Festival, Port Elizabeth
2 to 3 March 2013
If you like it hot, this festival will have your mouth watering. Expect to find chutneys, jams and atchars, as well as plants and seedlings. You can even enter a chilli-eating competition (as long as you sign an indemnity form). Although the festival is mostly about chillies, but there are a food stalls and entertainment for all tastes, including a potjie contest. Tel 041-484-4540, cell 083-350-0676, email [email protected].
