Easter means different things to different people. For many it’s an important religious time. For others it simply means holidays, Easter egg hunts and hot-cross buns.
Every Easter my sister, who teaches in England, heads for South Africa to get away from the bleak, dark and freezing winter. Her husband always sneaks a chocolate Easter bunny into her luggage and she never fails to bring a bag of sugar-coated mini eggs, which she hides for our annual Easter egg hunt. If we go away on holiday, she ropes in hotel staff to help with the treasure hunt and we all romp around like kids hunting for the booty
Joburg Easter Festival
This year will be no exception and, to add to the Easter fun, I’m going to take her to the Joburg Easter Festival. Organisers have likened it to the Rio Carnival or the New Orleans Mardi Gras and, while this might be stretching it a bit, there is an 11-day line-up of fun events.
About 250 000 visitors are expected to visit the exhibition halls and enjoy the carnival atmosphere. There will be buskers, stilt walkers, jugglers and many other
entertainers. The Rand Show, as it used to be called, has been transformed into the Joburg Easter Festival. There will still be wonderful exhibitions and stalls. I can’t wait to see the Living Space exhibition to dream about a home makeover.
My sister will probably want to try out the latest gadgets and gizmos in the Digital Technology showcase and we’ll trot along to the Get Go Show for everything about travel in the great outdoors.
The Creative Kingdom will showcase innovative South African creations in jewellery, glass, ceramics, handbags and fashion, some of which will no doubt find their way back to the UK. We will detour the Kid’s Carnival – having left them behind on this sisterly bonding expedition – and head for the Film and Arts Festivals instead. The largest outdoor LCD screen will show new releases, old favourites and Bollywood glitz, while the theatre taps into the rich source of talent, staging drama and comedy.
The Rock and Pop Music Festival is bound to attract thousands and visitors can get an autograph of their favourite stars at the Afrikaans Music Festival.
The final adventure – which my sister does not know about yet – will be a bungee jump at the Adventure and Extreme Zone. I’ve tried it and, although it was terrifying, I think the satisfaction of facing my fear and the “been there, done that” value is worth every cent and every scream. It’s going to take some persuading, because my sister can be a bit of a sissy, but she will return to England a new and fearless person.
The Joburg Easter Festival is at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from April 3 to 13. Admission R75 for adults, R20 for children under 12. Under fives are free. More details on: http://www.joburgeasterfestival.co.za. What else is happening this coming Easter?
Marathon
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon brings Cape Town streets to a standstill on Saturday April 11. Stars of long-distance running compete in the 56km run, while other mortals do the 21km half-marathon. Fun runs are on Good Friday April 10 and include a 56m Nappy Dash for the teeny weenies, 300m Toddler Trot and a 5km and 8km walk/run. See www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/ for more information.
Polo
Watch the sport of kings at the Glendower Easter Polo Tournament in Plettenberg Bay from March 31 to April 15. This classy holiday town has become an international polo hot spot. The competition culminates in a hard-hitting final at Kurland Pavilion on Sunday April 15. Visit www.kurland.co.za.
Beach
Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth is shaping up for the biggest Splash Festival. The packed programme includes the World Cup Surf Ski race, World Inflatable Boat Championships, A-rated volleyball tournament and an Easter egg hunt. Find out more from http://www.nmbt.co.za.
Arts
The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival from April 4 to 11 is a feast of performance and art exhibition in the town of Oudtshoorn. Such is the appeal of this festival that accommodation is booked out far in advance as are performances. Visit http://www.kknk.co.za.
Music
Splashy Fen, South Africa’s longest-running, friendly music festival in Underburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is the ultimate outdoor music and nature experience. It celebrates its 20th anniversary with top bands from April 9 to 13. Visit http://www.splashyfen.co.za.
You can order a personalised letter addressed to your little one and written, signed and sealed by the Easter Bunny. It is postmarked from the Magic Forest and has your child’s name, hometown and best friend’s name in the illustrated letter and is wax-sealed. The tooth fairy can write one too and so can Santa. Visit http://www.folktales.co.za.