Celebrate National Braai Day on September 24!

National Braai Day, also known as Heritage Day, is a South African holiday celebrated on September 24th each year. This day is about honoring and celebrating the diverse cultural traditions of South Africa. This holiday has been observed since 1995 and has become a significant part of South African culture. The word ‘braai’ is Afrikaans for ‘barbecue,’ and on this day, people gather together to braai in their backyards, parks, or at communal events. Here are some great ways you can celebrate National Braai Day!

Braai master: National Braai Day is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your braai skills. As the braai master, you will be in charge of selecting the meats, marinating, and cooking them to perfection. This role is highly regarded in South Africa, so make sure you take it seriously!

Meat selection: When selecting the meat for your braai, you have a wide variety of options to choose from. Some popular choices include beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and boerewors (South African sausage). Try to incorporate a mix of meats and different marinades to cater to everyone’s taste.

Traditional dishes: In addition to the meats, be sure to include some traditional South African dishes on your braai menu. Some popular choices include chakalaka (a spicy relish), pap (a maize porridge), and potjiekos (a stew cooked in a potjie pot). These dishes will add an extra touch of authenticity to your braai.

Bring and braai: If you don’t have a backyard or a braai of your own, you can still celebrate National Braai Day by attending a ‘bring and braai’ event. These events are organized by communities, sports clubs, or even workplaces, where everyone brings their food, drinks, and braai equipment.

Braai snacks: Don’t forget to include some snacks on your braai menu to keep your guests satisfied while waiting for the main meal. Some popular braai snacks include biltong (dried meat), droëwors (dried sausage), and boerewors rolls (grilled sausage served in a bun).

Side dishes: In addition to the traditional dishes, you can also include some standard barbecue side dishes like salads, corn on the cob, and roasted vegetables. These sides will balance out the hearty meaty flavors of your braai.

Drinks: No braai is complete without some refreshing drinks. While beer is commonly associated with a braai, you can also include other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options like cider, wine, and juice. Just make sure to cater to everyone’s preferences and have enough to go around.

Music: To add to the festive atmosphere, have some traditional South African music playing in the background. This can include Maskandi, Kwaito, or Afrikaans music, or you can create a playlist with a mix of different genres. Music will enhance the mood and keep your guests entertained.

Dress code: To fully immerse yourself in the celebration of South African culture, encourage your guests to dress in traditional attire. This can include traditional Xhosa, Zulu, or Sotho clothing, or even just a t-shirt with the South African flag. The dress code will add to the festive spirit of the day.