Celebrate freedom the French way this weekend
2008-07-10
FRANSCHHOEK commemorates its centuries old French Huguenot heritage at the annual Bastille Festival this weekend. The Festival celebrates the collective theme of freedom, marrying South African and French history at the heart of both, Franschhoek. So, paint the town red, white and blue and join in the Celebration of Freedom. The Bastille food and wine marquee, in the village centre, will be open from 12:00 to 18:00 on Saturday and Sunday. This focal point draws people to the hub of activity where an entrance fee is paid to sample fine Franschhoek wines and indulge in dishes created by esteemed chefs, ranging from oysters, sushi, local and French cheeses to delectable charcuterie, hand-made chocolates and salmon trout from the Valley. There will be boules, floats, a chefs’ and waiters’ race, a farmers’ market, kiddies’ soccer, a barrel-rolling contest, mountain-biking, French movies, craft market stalls, musicians and children’s activities. Award-winning restaurants will also be composing special menus exclusive to Bastille. A refugee living in Franschhoek, James Jamala Safari (22), will read his published anthology of poems at the restaurant Topsi & Co during the Festival. The Bastille Invitational Golf Day is held tomorrow at Pearl Valley. Saturday July promises to lure athletes and patriots alike with events like the Freedom Run which is not to be missed if you are a fitness fanatic, and perhaps the most popular drawcard, the Long Walk. The walk traverses the route of freedom from Drakenstein Prison to the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek, and pays homage to Nelson Mandela and his historic release from prison. The walk will be led by fellow comrade and Franschhoek patron, Tokyo Sexwale. The momentous walk is dedicated to honouring Madiba’s life, who will be celebrating his 90th birthday on 18 July. For further information, call Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association at 021-876- 3603 or email events@franschhoek.org.za
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