Language/Afrikaans/Culture/Celebrations-and-Festivals
As a teacher of Afrikaans language and culture for 20 years, I am excited to share with you some information about the major celebrations and festivals observed in Afrikaans-speaking countries. As a beginner in Afrikaans, learning about these cultural practices can help you understand the language and customs of the people you may encounter while traveling or interacting with Afrikaans speakers.
Traditional Afrikaans Holidays
One of the major holidays in Afrikaans-speaking countries is Die Voortrekkers’ day, which commemorates the historical trek of Afrikaan-speaking people to the hinterland of South African. This celebration takes place on the 16th of December, which is a National Holiday in South Africa. Other holidays that are uniquely Afrikaans include Heritage Day on September 24th - which celebrates the cultural heritage of all South Africans, while emphasizing the Afrikaans contribution to the past and future of the country - and Writers' Night on February 10th, which is an event dedicated to recognizing Afrikaans writers and poets.
Christian and Secular Celebrations
With Afrikaans being a language adopted by religious and secular communities, it is worth mentioning the specific festivals and celebrations observed by these communities. Here are a few examples:
- Christmas (Kersfees) is celebrated by both Christian and secular Afrikaans-speaking communities on December 25th, and is usually a time for spending with family and exchanging gifts.
- Easter (Paasfees) is another Christian holiday that is widely celebrated in Afrikaans-speaking countries.
- Youth Day (June 16th) which annually commemorates the events of the Soweto uprising which saw young South African students march to demand free education.
- Women's Day (August 9th) which commemorates the bravery of South African women, who marched against the oppressive apartheid regime.
Festival Foods & Customs
Food often plays an essential role in festivals and celebrations, offering a way to experience and celebrate a culture’s history and traditions. Here are some festival foods you may find at celebrations in Afrikaans-speaking countries:
- Braaivleis, a traditional South African barbecue food, is a popular choice for festive occasions.
- Bunny chow is a dish that originated in the Indian community of Durban, South Africa and was later adopted into traditional South African cuisine. It’s a bread loaf that is hollowed out and filled with curry – a must-try while in Durban!
- Koeksisters are a uniquely South African dessert, similar to donuts that are deep-fried, dipped in syrup, and served cold.
- Bobotie is a classic Cape Malay dish made with minced meat, topped with an egg-based custard, and baked in the oven.
Conclusion
Learning about the festivals and celebrations celebrated in Afrikaans-speaking countries can help you better understand and appreciate the culture and history of the people who speak this language. Celebrations, food and customs are integral parts of Afrikaans culture and language, so we encourage you to learn more about these aspects of Afrikaans to get a deeper understanding of the language and its speakers.
Thank you for joining me in this lesson. Onwards to mastering Afrikaans!
Related Lessons
- Business and Work Culture
- The Difference Between Proverbs and Idioms
- Why Use Proverbs in Afrikaans Conversations
- Daily Life and Routines
- Etiquette and Social Customs
- South African Culture and History
- Cultural Etiquette
- Afrikaans Music and Literature
- Where is it spoken
- Sport and Leisure Activities