JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Lusito Land, one of Johannesburg’s oldest festivals, hopes that 2015 is a bumper year of fundraising for the Lusito School for the Physically and Mentally Challenged.
The 34-year-old festival has donated proceeds to the school from its inception in 1981. “It takes a substantial amount of funds to run a school such as the Lusito School, and it is important to us that the public is aware that by attending the festival, they are doing so for the purpose of enhancing the lives of mentally and physically challenged people,” said Naomi Contente, spokesperson for the Lusito Association.
Lusito Land was originally a festival that celebrated the Portuguese tradition and culture. Over the last three decades, it has evolved into a festival celebrated by the many cultures that make up Johannesburg and Gauteng. The Portuguese tradition has, however, been sustained in the wonderful traditional flavours of the fine cuisine that is an important facet in the Portuguese heritage. Artists performing will include Mi Casa, Rubber Duc, Bobby van Jaarsveld and Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels.
Lusito Land begins on Friday April 24. Tickets are available at Computicket, R80 for adults and teens, and R50 for children (six to 12 years old) and pensioners. Children under the age of five gain free access. Lusito Land is at Wemmer Pan, Pioneers Park, corner of 11th Street and Turf Road, La Rochelle. It will be open from 17:00 to 22:00 on weekdays, 10:00 to 23:00 on weekends and public holidays and 10:00 to 19:00 on Sunday May 3.
Additional secure parking is available at this year’s festival at R20 per vehicle. The areas will be manned by security guards, who will ensure the safety of both the vehicles and the public.
The organisers from Lusito Association strongly discourage parking in the streets in the vicinity and encourage the public to use the allocated parking areas. Hunts Square (on the corner of 11th and Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle); Union Rugby Fields (on the corner of 11th and Forest Road, La Rochelle) and Martimo Soccer Fields (on 11th Street, La Rochelle – gain access from Forest Road).
