How Is Heritage Day Celebrated in South Africa
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Many of us have ancestors that left their mark on the country we call home. For some, it’s more than just a name and a date on an old records. Each person has their own way of marking the passage of time and heritage is no exception. As proud South Africans, we celebrate every day as our country’s independence day, but there’s something extra special about Heritage Day in South Africa. On this special day, we take time to acknowledge all that has made us who we are today and look forward to the future with hope and optimism that the next generation will carry on our heritage in even better ways. Here are 5 fun ways you can celebrate Heritage Day in South African!
Visit heritage sites
Many heritage sites are closed on Heritage Day to allow for the cleaning of the monuments and the gardens, so if you’re visiting one that’s not open, don’t miss out on visiting the site on its regular opening hours. Bring a picnic and take advantage of the beautiful setting. There are many heritage sites that are open for visitors on this day. Find yours and visit them!
Celebrate your local history
A visit to the local history museum is a great way to celebrate your heritage. Let your children experience the stories and artefacts of the past. You might have ancestors who were farmers or traders, so check out the displays on the farming, fishing and business traditions of your province and city.
Protect our heritage
Protect your heritage by being mindful of where you are, who you are with, and what you do. Keep safety at the forefront of your mind when visiting heritage sites. Look out for each other as you explore together, as pairs, or as a larger group. Plan ahead where to meet if you are visiting more than one site and ensure that you are both safe and staying within the rules.
Organise an outdoor event
A heritage walk or cultural festival is a great way to celebrate heritage in South Africa. These events allow you to experience some of the country’s diverse heritage in a fun and interactive way. You can organise an outdoor event with friends, family and your cultural organisation. There are many heritage walks and festivals throughout the country, and you can find one near you by using the Heritage Day website. Look for an event that focuses on a specific theme related to your province or city. Choose an event that highlights one or two themes in-depth and that is not too broad.
Donate to a cause you care about
Find a cause that resonates with you and support them with a donation to mark Heritage Day. Consider donating to causes that help young people grow into responsible and contributing members of society. These causes can be local or international and include organisations like Youth Development, and Malaria No More.
Keep cultural practices alive
Even if you are not celebrating the day, it is important to keep the practices of your heritage alive. Cultures change over time, but by keeping the practices of your heritage alive in everyday life, you are keeping it alive.
Conclusion
With so much heritage around us, it’s important to celebrate it! Heritage Day is a great time to visit heritage sites and museums, donate to heritage-related charities, and keep cultural traditions alive. You can even celebrate by visiting your favourite heritage site while keeping safety at the forefront of your mind. Make sure you take advantage of the day and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of your heritage. Heritage Day is a day to celebrate your heritage and heritage sites.
