Every year on the 24^th September, South Africans get together on Heritage Day to celebrate not only the many culturally diverse and interesting beliefs and traditions embraced by those living in our wonderful country, but also to celebrate our beautiful rainbow nation and how far we have come, collectively.

Over the past decade or so, Heritage Day has been known to many as “Braai Day” – braaing is truly our countries favourite pastime, we light a fire for almost any celebration and the coming together of friends over a traditional braai always results in delicious food and great times. As Heritage Day is all about the rich heritage of South Africa, locals take to their favourite traditions, so usually by  midday and often till late in the evening, braai smoke can be seen from surrounding backyards as cheerful celebrations ensue.

For some, it’s a “Chisa Nyama”, for other it’s called “Ukosa”, many know it as a barbecue and most of us here in South Africa simply call it a good old “braai” – whatever the name, South Africans will tell you that uniting around a fire for Heritage Day and celebrating our diverse and beautiful country has become a wonderful occasion.

With not even a month left to go, start planning how you will be spending your time in Cape Town on heritage day – remember, the next day (Monday) is a public holiday, meaning that you can stay up late feasting over a scrumptious braai, then sleep in on Monday morning.

What is happening around Cape Town on Braai Day?

Braai and Burgers at De Oude in Wellington – Enjoy the coming together of friends for a feast of South African favourites this Heritage Day. What are some of our favourite traditional foods? What about braai and beer, or a burger and brandy? Escape to the quiet and fragrant vineyards of De Oude estate in Wellington, surrounded by lazy farm animals and frequented by locals and tourists. This heritage day, a set braai menu at De Oude will include craft beer on tap, scrumptious braai goodies, lots of biltong and brandy and food prepared by “Viking Chef” John Tecklenberg – desserts of waffles and milkshakes included. Guests can also enjoy a few exciting family activities on the day, resulting in unforgettable Braai Day celebrations. This will cost around R90 – R190 per adult and R40 – R70 for kids (free for kids under 8). Book by calling 083 836 8924, or email reservations@bbbs.co.za.

Long Table Braai Feast at Gabrielskloof – Why not make the entire month of September one of celebration and amazing South African style foods? At Gabrielskloof Wine & Olive Estate, the celebration will start with the month of September, as meals and tapas served here will reflect homegrown qualities and familiar flavours in style Paired with four stunning wines from their estate, the months menu with include Snoek n Patat, Bobotie and even Biltong – with such mouth watering and culturally profound dishes, everyone can have an amazing time. The real commemoration of heritage day will take place on the 24^th September – Chef Frans will prepare an exquisite spit braai and classic sides like “pap en sous” and “garlic rolls”, followed by classic puddings that have earned their spot in our countries heart. All the best local touches to a memorable braai day can be enjoyed with a gourmet twist, along with great music, country air and friendly locals. Cost: R350 per adult, R100 per child. Book by calling 082 284 9865, or email restaurant@gabrielskloof.co.za.

National Braai Day Lunch at Eight – Visit one of Cape Town’s most beautiful and welcoming wine regions and enjoy a fabulous Heritage Day braai feast at Eight restaurant situated in the famous Spier Wine Estate. South Africa’s culinary heritage is one that has blossomed into something remarkable in the Stellenbosch Winelands, and Eight restaurant welcomes friends and families from all over the world to indulge and celebrate with them on the 24^th September. The lunch braai will include pasture-reared meats and scrumptious fresh veggies from their own farm, prepared over a spit braai in the lovely Spier gardens. The lunch will also include an ice cold beer or glass of Spier Wine, while of course the picturesque wine estate has no shortage of beverages on order. Starting at 12 pm and adding some sophistication and glamour to National Braai Day, the cost per ticket is R400 and is worth forking out the extra cash for. Call 021 809 1100 for enquiries or to book.

South African Flavour at Hout Bay Market – The wonderful Hout Bay Market lies only minutes from the ocean and is an eclectic collection of wonderful local market stalls that engage visitors every weekend. Showcasing lovely arts & crafts displays and tantalizing snacks and drinks that include great wine and craft beer– a truly fantastic showcasing of South African lifestyle and traditional festivities. This year, Braai Day will be no different at the Hout Bay Market as far as excitement goes, visitors can embrace the day’s celebrations over a choice of sensational and traditional dishes, as an array of fragrant local stalls serving some amazing food. Live music performances by some of our countries favourite bands will spice up the weekend even more and keep everyone thoroughly entertained. All visitors can enjoy free entry to the market, which will be open from 9:30 am to 4 pm. For enquiries, call 083 275 5586.

President Hotel’s Annual Braai Buffet – As we have already established, braai food is the order of the day when it comes to Heritage Day celebrations all around South Africa – The upmarket President Hotel will be hosting a fantastic Braai Buffet open to one and all, made up of a buffet of classic braai foods like indulgent potjiekos and spicy meat, while guests can even sip of some homemade ginger beer. There will be tons of activity and excitement of the local kind to keep everyone, young and old, thoroughly entertained.  Situated in the beautiful Bantry Bay area of Cape Town where fresh ocean air and stunning mountains set a majestic backdrop, the President Hotel is a luxury setting that embraces cultural significance in a stylish setting. Braai Day has been embraced and celebrated at the President Hotel for many years, with the upcoming festivities being no exception. For more info or to book, call 021 434 8111 or email specialevents@presidenthotel.co.za.

Get involved in the fun this Braai Day… Do you fancy yourself the ultimate braai master? Have you got what it takes to beat the “best of the best” in the braai world? Give it a go and try to beat the current Guinness World Record for the longest timed Braai in the world – This impressive title is currently held by a South African man named Jan Greeff, who undertook an 80 hour long braai on heritage day in 2015.

Potjie Challenge at The Farm Village – Participate in all the Heritage Day fun when visiting the stunning ocean facing seaside village of Noordhoek, reachable by passing through the world famous Chapmans Peak Drive. This year, The Farm Village will be hosting its 5^th annual Potjiekos Challenge. Bring friends and family along to simply enjoy some of South Africa’s best cuisines and favourite foods – a potjie has long since been a superb tradtional cooking style for social gatherings in South Africa, with delicious warm food prepared over an iron pot over an open fire. This year, judges of the competition include Chef Franck Dangeroux as well as Chef Pete Goffee-Wood who was previously a judge of Materchef South Africa. The competitors will be serving up their dishes at 3 pm, and at just R100 per person, visitors on the day will be able to sample over 10 different stylers of traditional potjiekos this Braai day. For more info, email info@thefarmchallenge.co.za.

Club Mykonos Braai Competition – Taking place on South Africa’s favourite public holiday and celebratory day of our rich and remarkable heritage, Marc’s Beach Bar at Club Mykonos will be hosting a fun-for-all braai competition. Participants stand the chance to win R2000 in cash (with 2^nd and 3^rd place cash prizes also up for grabs), though it is not about the money for most people, but rather about sharing delicious and flavourful braai food with family, friends and visitors. Teams of four can pair up to cook off in the competition and prove that home braaing every weekend has paid off, while visitors who aren’t participating can enjoy the fragrant smokey air and spectacular array of dishes and sides served here throughout the day. With the ocean nearby and stunning natural surroundings, Langebaan is known for its festivities and holiday vibe – entertainment on this year’s Braai Day will include live music, kiddies adventures, celebrity judges and food trucks. The entry fee for a team of 4 participants is R400 and includes goody bags. Get in touch to book, email info@clubmykonos.co.za or call 022 707 7000.

You can also join many other Capetonians in simply celebrating Heritage Day with a traditional home-style braai right in your own backyard, balcony or communal entertainment area. South African braais are enriching to the spirit, bringing friends and families together all year around. Make amazing memories this Braai Day in Cape Town and find out how the phrase “local is lekker” has meant so much to our country. If you are visiting Cape Town, have a look at Holiday Apartments selection of self-catering accommodation options, by clicking here.