Annual Francophonie festival finally here
The annual Francophonie, held by Alliance Française Pretoria had its grand opening on Saturday.
The grand opening of Alliance Française Pretoria‘s sixth annual Francophonie festival was hosted on Saturday.
Special guests Johnny Clegg and Flip van der Merwe attended the opening where several countries across the world exhibited their unique styles, gifts and cuisines.
The President of Alliance Française Pretoria, J.J. Cornish, as well as French ambassador Elisabeth Barbier addressed the crowd during the official opening of this two-week long festival.
Clegg said he was honoured to be part of the special day, as he had a stong bond with France.
“I first visited France in 1974, when our love affair began. I was overwhelmed by the sense of complete freedom and since 1988, when I first performed there, I have been back every year to perform.”
Van der Merwe was just as excited about being part of the celebration.
“I love the multi-cultural experience of the day and it is definitely a unique experience not many people get to see every day,” Van der Merwe said.
According to Hugo de Groot, the Chargé de Communication of the Alliance Française Pretoria, this year’s festival is bigger than any year before.
For one, the festival had been a week-long affair in the past. This year it has been extended to a two-week long celebration of culture.
“We have several events throughout the year, but this is our biggest,” De Groot said.
For more information about the festival and programme, click here.
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