4 ways to make Heritage Day even better this year

One of South Africa’s most-loved holidays is around the corner and we want to kick things off the right way. Heritage Day marks a special point on our calendars, when families and friends from all walks of life come together to celebrate our rich cultures, time-honoured traditions, unique diversity, and binding South African similarities. What better way to welcome summer than with a sun-drenched afternoon filled with lively conversation, meat sizzling on the braai, and an ice-cold drink to keep you cool? Here are a few ideas on how to ramp up your Heritage Day celebrations for a fuss-free and festive holiday…     

 

1). Get outdoors

When the weather’s this fine, why wouldn’t you? And, with everything else that’s going on, a bit of fresh air means we can breathe a little easier. If there’s room in the garden, feel free to host an at-home al fresco do. But, if you want to get out a bit further, there are dozens of great Braai Day picnic spots around SA. Visit a National Botanical Garden – there are 11 to choose from around the country – or, escape to a nearby park or picnic site. If you happen to be close to a beach, so much the better.  

 

2). Fire up the braai

The quintessential Heritage Day requirement. Whether you’re going all out with a local meaty feast, or keeping it simple with veggie patties and braaibroodjies, on 24 September, food just tastes better on the braai. A few essentials to keep on hand? Your favourite spice mix, a proudly South African apron, trusty tongs – and a cooler bag filled with cold ones. We want that signature smoky scent to float over the whole of South Africa.   

 

3). Get moving

Remember when the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge took the nation by storm last year? No surprises there, South Africans love to dance. This Heritage Day, get moving to some great local tunes. To take your celebration up a notch, include the LG XBOOM Go PL7 in your party. Meridian technology offers premium quality sound, deep base and rich tones. 

With a 24-hour battery life and the option to link up to 100 speakers together for the ultimate on-the-go music session, you’re guaranteed all-day fun and an amplified atmosphere. This sleek portable party starter also acts as battery back-up for your phone. Simply connect to the USB port and keep Spotify playing all night long. You can even connect more than one device to the XBOOM Go. That way, your friends and family can also play songs from their playlists. As if that wasn’t enough, the device is water-resistant and rubberised, so whether you’re on the beach, in the park, or poolside at home, it’s bound to give your festivities extra flair.

 

4). Try something new

Isn’t that what Heritage Day is all about? This holiday reminds us of the melting pot of cultures, landscapes and experiences our beautiful country has to offer. So take the opportunity to get to know your home – and the people in it – a little better. Never eaten bunny chow? Try it. Never tackled a traditional African dance? Now’s your chance. You could even make the most of the long weekend and escape for a cultural road-trip, stopping in at places like Kagga Kamma, Nieu Bethesda or the Midlands Meander. There are myriad things to get excited about in our diverse home.    

When it comes down to it, the most important thing is to celebrate Heritage Day in whatever way suits you. And remember that while we’re laughing, drinking, dancing and braaing, we’re building stronger connections to our roots and each other. Let’s take that spirit into summer, and every other season to come.