Heritage Day is an important public holiday in South Africa as it recognises different aspects of South African culture and encourages South Africans across the spectrum to celebrate their cultural heritage, the diversity of their beliefs and different traditions.
It was officially recognised as a public holiday in 1996 by former president Nelson Mandela, who said that it is South Africa’s varied and shared cultures which make the country great.
In 2005 there was an initiative to celebrate these shared cultures by braaing, and Heritage Day is often synonymously called National Braai Day.
The idea is that when people gather around a fire to cook, eat and spend time with each other, the simple notion of togetherness is played out.
Also read: Something new on your braai this Heritage Day
Here are a few ideas on how to spend Heritage Day:
• Celebrate your personal heritage. South Africa is made up of widely diverse cultures. This Heritage Day why not reconnect with your ancestry.
• Have a braai with your family and friends. A braai is a must on Heritage Day. Braais are all about sharing good food with good company.
• Check out some heritage sites. South Africa has many natural and cultural sites that are protected because of their important heritage properties.
These are just a few ideas how to spend your Heritage Day and many people also choose to see what is happening in their local community.
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