South Africa, or known as the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It has 59 million people, ranked as the world’s 23rd-most populous nation. Around 80% of South Africans are of Black African ancestry. Yet, they are divided among a variety of ethnic groups speaking different African languages.
Festivals
Ficksburg Cherry Festival
Ficksburg is known as Cherry Town of South Africa or the cherry capital of the world. The Ficksburg Cherry Festival takes place during the third week in November. It is the oldest crop festival in South Africa. The festival is usually hosted by a national celebrity. Apart from cherry product competitions, this event also organises cherry tours, marathons, exhibitions, and more. For instance, well-known South African artists will provide live entertainment.
Thai Poosam Kavady festival
Hinduism in South Africa finds expression in a series of fasts, festivals and rituals. Dedicated to the Tamil god, Lord Murugan, Thai Poosam Kavady festival is an important religious festival in South Africa. It is mostly celebrated by the Tamil Hindu community in January/February. Tamils from all over South Africa come together to celebrate this event with music, dance, art, and food.
Foods
Biltong & droewors
Before fridges were invented, dry curing was invented as a method used to store meat by the indigenous tribes of South Africa. This dish is usually made from beef, and they are traditionally eaten as snacks. The meat is preserved in a mixture of vinegar, salt, sugar and spices, such as coriander and pepper, then hung to dry. Biltong and droewors are considered as foods with high protein and low fat content, so they are healthy to eat.
Bobotie
This dish was originally brought to South Africa by Asian settlers. Now, bobotie has become the national dish of the country and cooked in many homes and restaurants. It is usually served with “yellow rice”, which is rice cooked with turmeric. Bobotie contains minced meat that is simmered with spices, such as curry powder, herbs and dried fruit like raisins or sultanas. At the end, it is topped with a mixture of egg and milk and baked until set.
References
- https://www.clarenscountrystay.co.za/project/ficksburg-cherry-festival/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09766634.2013.11885593
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-south-africa
- https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/south-africa
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51487720
- https://foodieonboard.com/2014/11/13/south-african-bobotie-with-yellow-rice/
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