National Braai Day

September 24, 2013

South Africans are serious about their braai (BBQ). So much so that "Heritage Day" is known as National Braai Day. That's pretty serious.

So a little bit about Heritage Day first: it was initially endorsed as a public holiday in 2008 with the purpose of bringing about a greater unification, understanding and respect for the diversity of cultures, beliefs and traditions that make up the nation of South Africa. I think this Desmond Tutu quote from the inaugral Heritage Day sums it up really well:

"We're going to have a wonderful thing on the 24th of this month...when we all gather round one fire...it's a fantastic thing, a very simple idea. Irrespective of your politics, of your culture, of your race, of your whatever, hierdie ding doen ons saam (this thing we do together)...just South Africans doing one thing together, and recognizing we are a fantastic nation."

They actually fit together quite nicely- heritage and braaiing, that is. While there are many cultures, religions and races in South Africa, everyone has one thing in common: "When we have something to celebrate we light fires, and prepare great feasts" (quote and image from the National Braai Day website).

While we didn't braai on Braai Day this year per se (as we were travelling back from Swaziland), we have embraced this South African pastime with open arms. We made a point of buying a proper charcoal grill here (as opposed to the propane variety we are more accustomed to), and M has become very well-versed in the art of braaiing. With year-round weather that was built for being outside, it'd be hard not to want to adopt this bit of South African culture. And hey, what better way to celebrate life here than by lighting a fire?