SA National Beer Day coming soon

The call has gone out for the country’s beer lovers to unite on Saturday, 1 February to celebrate South African National Beer Day (#SANBeerDay).

Celebrated annually on the first Saturday in February, SA National Beer Day sees big breweries, craft breweries, bars and liquor stores throughout the country hosting all types of events to celebrate South Africa’s favourite tipple.

Lucy Corne, founder and beer writer, initiated the event in 2017 after realising that a cold pint goes down better in South Africa in February, rather than chilly August, when the International Beer Day is celebrated.

“South African National Beer Day is a collection of small-scale events, promotions, pairings, specials and mini festivals – anyone can host an event, whether it’s a full-on party in a brewery, or a beer-braai pairing at home with friends,” Lucy said.

She said the brewing community has responded with gusto – the inaugural #SANBeerDay saw more than 50 events and promotions staged across the country in its first year and has gained momentum ever since, with more than 120 events in 2019.

Anyone wanting to host a beer day celebration at their local bar or outlet should visit www.beerday.co.za and submit their event so they can be added to the online events map. South Africans can also visit the site to find a venue close to them that is hosting a celebration, or follow #SANBeerDay on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in order to stay up to date with all the latest events and news.

“#SANBeerDay hopes to encourage more people to gather with friends and to simply enjoy a beer or two, perhaps even try a style of beer they are not familiar with. It doesn’t matter where you celebrate, or which beer is in your glass when you raise it. It’s about celebrating one of the world’s oldest, most diverse and most popular drinks,” Lucy said.

#SANBeerDay also advised people to drink responsibly, and not drink and drive.