South African Embassy Hosts 2024 Heritage Day in Berlin
Over 100 South Africans gathered for a traditional braai celebration in Berlin
September 24th, 2024
The South African Embassy in Berlin marked a memorable 2024 Heritage Day by co-hosting a lively event in collaboration with BiltongFritze. This year’s celebration drew around 100 South Africans living in Berlin, who gathered at the embassy to enjoy an authentic South African braai in the city’s late summer warmth.
Heritage Day, celebrated annually on September 24, is a national holiday in South Africa that encourages all citizens to embrace and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage that defines the country. Originally known as Shaka Day, commemorating the legendary Zulu king Shaka, it was renamed to reflect the multifaceted history and culture of South Africa's many ethnic groups.
The Embassy in Berlin recreated the spirit of Heritage Day for expatriates, emphasizing the country's signature tradition of communal barbecuing, locally known as a "braai." A braai is not just a meal but a social gathering, deeply embedded in South African culture, where family and friends come together around an open flame to share food and stories.
Set against the backdrop of Berlin’s late summer temperatures, the embassy courtyard provided a perfect venue for this outdoor celebration. Attendees shared stories of home, connected with fellow South Africans, and celebrated their heritage with pride.
References
- https://twitter.com/SAEmbassyBerlin/status/1837530111848968621 https://twitter.com/SAEmbassyBerlin/status/1837530111848968621
