exposed to the real world: June 2012

When I was first invited to the annual Snoek & Patatfees I thought to myself, ‘mmm interesting combination’. I was told the event grew from 7 000 to close to 12 000 visitors in just twenty-four months.

On arrival we were welcomed by citizens of Goedverwacht, for 1 kilometer we were welcomed with waves, smiles and hooters. We stepped out and grasped the soul sounds of the local band and the smell of snoek. At 8am more than 2000 people were having breakfast and the people were braaing, singing and just enjoying the atmosphere of true country. At 11am I was told more than 6000 had passed through the gates.

This festival is one of the very few where the whole family and community can come and enjoy themselves. After my first plate of snoek&patat I was officially an attendee of the festival. What amazed me the most was the chefs, their dedication, hard work and smiles on their faces while they were preparing the fish and snoek. The tourism workers were wearing their velvet t-shirts very proudly and weren’t shy to pose for the camera midst the busy day they were having.

Entertainment in my opinion was the highlight of the day. They had dancers ranging from traditional, hip-hop to freestyle. The bands both local and from other countries like Namibia surely entertained the crowd. Performers included the Diazville Koperband, Citrusdal dance group, Witzenburg dance group, Houtbay dancegroup, Jac Jul, Tribal Echo, Bee Wings and headline act Emo Adams. All the performers gave it their all when they performed.

South Africa is one of the most cultural countries in the worked. This event brought neighbours, friends, communities and the Western Cape together to celebrate not only the festivities but the meaning of togetherness.