Colors of Stellenbosch - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Stellenbosch is a relatively small town. Only eighty thousand people live here. However, Stellenbosch is considered the second oldest city in South Africa. Many locals believe that it is even older than Cape Town. This land is known as the center of the largest African wine region. Almost thirty wineries are located near the city today. Many of them are inherited within the same family for centuries. The largest and most interesting celebrations are related to viticulture in Stellenbosch. This is not surprising, because the locals connected their activities with winemaking for more than three hundred years.

The Wine Festival is one of the biggest cultural events. It runs from July 31 to August 3 annually. Residents and visitors of the city can not only taste more than five hundred varieties of wine but also take part in a dozen folk amusements at this time. This is a festive time for all citizens. Fairs and attractions for both adults and children start their work right on the streets. Anyone can visit one of the many local wine farms and see with their own eyes how their favorite drink is poured into barrels.

You can hear traditional musical compositions from everywhere in Stellenbosch at this time. These can be compositions typical of the Dark Continent, or those that Europeans brought here once. Citizens watch fashion shows from local designers and enjoy participating in costumed processions at this time. The theatrical performances are held for tourists. They are dedicated to the history of colonization of the region and the difficulties that the first winemakers faced. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another wine festival is held in the town in late January and early February. This is the Spier Festival. The festival itself equally reveals two aspects of the life of residents – viticulture and art. In addition to wine tastings, masterclasses from famous sommeliers on the choice of a particular drink and its compatibility with other dishes, many events dedicated to music, painting, and theater in all their manifestations take place in the town at this time. Traveling exhibitions of urban artists are organized everywhere. Mimes walk the streets of Stellenbosch during the day. Citizens and visitors can see a beautiful light show in the evening.

The Spier Festival also includes performances of famous musicians. Concerts of both famous artists of modern music and traditional groups representing the music of Africa and Europe are held here. A book fair is held in the town during the festival. It is mainly dedicated to local authors.

The Cheese Festival takes place in the town at the end of April. Events dedicated to cheese in all its forms take place during the whole week. Cheese and wine tastings, lectures from famous cheese-makers, competitions for children and adults, music, and fun will make the vacation of tourists, who come to the town these days, unforgettable.

You can get acquainted with local cuisine at the fall Food & Wine Show. The event is dedicated to chefs and winemakers, as you can understand from the name. Visitors can not only taste the creations of local chefs but also watch the cooking process of the town's leading chefs during the festival. Competitions in the artistic cutting of vegetables and fruits, cooking battles between professional cooks and ordinary residents of the town, masterclasses, and attractions will not let get bored even for those who do not like to cook too much.

Part of the Cape Winelands Film Festival events has been held in Stellenbosch since 2003. Films in nine categories are included in the festival program: World Cinema, Independent Cinema, Art in Cinema, New Voices, Music in Cinema, Food in Cinema, That's So Gay (LGBT films), Eco-Cinema, Films about Tolerance, Films about Social and Political issues. Retrospectives and thematic programs are held separately. In addition to film screenings and international short film competition, various lectures, public discussions, and press conferences are held as part of the festival.

Cape Winelands Film Festival is the perfect place to explore the diversity of South African cinema. Preference is given to films created by local directors and actors. All films must have English subtitles. Therefore, you should have no problems understanding what is happening. Stellenbosch is transfigured not only during festivals but also during holidays. Catholic Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, and European New Year are celebrated here. National holidays directly related to the country's history, such as Heritage Day on 24 September or Reconciliation Day on 16 December, are also widely celebrated here.