8 Best Festivals in South Africa you'll surely prefer to experience in your lifetime

The land of South Africa is very rich with diversity in everything, from ethnic to arts and culture. In rural areas where the cultural traditions survive strongly, with the rapid urbanization and westernization, aspects of traditional culture are declining. However, the country is also known for varied festivals that take place around the year. The festivals in South Africa attract thousands of tourists from various parts, whereas the big festivals even fetch travellers around the globe. Here we’ll give you updates on the top festivals in South Africa.

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival aka Kaapse Klopse is a minstrel festival that takes place every year on January 2. It is also referred to as Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year) in Cape Town. Cape Town Minstrel Carnival is one of the best festivals in South Africa. Over 13,000 minstrels come down to the streets garbed in bright colours. They present themselves beautiful in costumes carrying colourful umbrellas and playing diverse musical instruments.

Flickr - South African Tourism

Ultra South Africa

Considered Africa’s one of the largest music festivals, Ultra South Africa arranges the program every year in Cape Town Ostrich Ranch although the date varies. This festival is going to take place on March 1 this year. The renowned Dutch DJ, Martin Garrix will return to Ultra to remind everyone of his insane energy and impeccable performance.

Twitter - Ultra South Africa

Knysna Oyster Festival

The date of Knysna Oyster Festival also varies but this South Africa’s one of the best festivals that attracts thousands of tourists from various parts. It usually takes place in June or July. This year, it is going to take place from June 21 to 30 in the heart of Garden Route. This festival is often termed as Best 10 Days of Your Winter. People consider this festival as one of the best outdoor family and community events in South Africa. Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Cycle Tour and Pick n Pay Cape Times Forest Marathon are the two most popular events of this festival.

Facebook - Knysna Oyster Festival

Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees

Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) aka Little Karoo National Arts Festival is an Afrikaans language art festival that takes place once in a year in Oudtshoorn. As one of the best festivals in South Africa, Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees will take place this year from March 21 and 27. It is also considered the largest South African arts festival based on the number of visitors. Visual and performing arts of South Africa are celebrated here.

www.kknk.co.za - Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees

South African Cheese Festival

Considered one of the top festivals or events in South Africa, South African Cheese Festival gives the visitors a wonderful opportunity to have unique experience of cheese and more. A dazzling varieties of cheeses, pair with your favourite wine and finest local produce – all these create a huge mind-blowing milieu to spend time with friends and family. This festival is slated to take place on April 28, 2019 at Sandringham.

Facebook - South African Cheese Festival

Hermanus Whale Festival

The gentle giants will be back on September 27, 2019. The mammoth animals are the main attractions at Hermanus Whale Festival. You can watch the whales and party in music, enjoy great food and several activities during the festival at Hermanus’ cliffs in Hermanus.

Wikipedia - Hermanus Whale Festival

Thai Poosam Kavady festival

Thai Poosam Kavady is a Tamil religious festival dedicated to Tamil (Indian Tamil) God Lord Murugan that is mainly celebrated by the Tamil people based in South Africa. This festival took place on January 21 in 2019 and slated to take place on February 8 in 2020.

Flickr - Elviz Low - Thai Poosam Kavady Festival

Wacky Wine Weekend

Wacky Wine Weekend aka Robertson Wine Festival is slated to take place from June 7 and June 9 this year. This festival is one of the most happening and fun events in South Africa. This gathers a huge number of visitors from local and various parts including foreigners. Robertson Wine Festival takes place in Robertson.

Flickr - South African Tourism - Wacky Wine Weekend