Family Day in South Africa

Family Activities

Family Day was established with the purpose of strengthening bonds among family members in the South African society. Since this holiday is observed the day after Easter Sunday, it makes the Easter weekend longer for the people. Because of this, many South Africans take advantage of this break by traveling. While there are some who’d rather go abroad, many others book their getaway trips just within the country. Family Day and its preceding days (Easter holidays) are popular days for traveling, thus, the country’s tourist destinations, resorts, and other attractions are expected to get a bit crowded on these days. This is primarily the reason why some of the people would book their accommodations several weeks in advance of the holiday’s observance. Traveling has become part of the activities often done in South Africa during the observance of Family Day. The day is taken by many as the perfect holiday to unwind and loosen up from the stress brought by the everyday life (work, school, bills, etc.).

South Africa’s Family Day doesn’t necessarily have any traditional practices associated with it. The holiday’s celebration varies from family to family. While there are several families who choose to travel on this day (or even before this day considering the long weekend brought by Easter), other families are seen casually relaxing at their respective homes while enjoying the company of their loved ones. Playing games with the kids, or even simply watching tv shows which focus on the importance of family relationships, is already a great way to spend this non-working day. Family Day in South Africa is meant to be enjoyed with the presence of their families, relatives, friends, and other people who are dear to them. On this day, family gatherings are a typical sight in the country. Most of the people also take advantage of this holiday to visit their parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, and other family members who live in faraway places.

Braai

Having barbecues (braai in the Afrikaans language) are also done by some people during the holiday. Some have this in their backyards while others have beach barbecues instead. Family Day is typically celebrated during the country’s autumn season (South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, making its seasons opposite to those countries belonging to the Northern Hemisphere), thus, at this time, the sun isn't as strong as it is during summer. Because of this, going to the beach has also become one of the finest choices for the South Africans to spend the day. Small feasts are even prepared by other families so they can have a wonderful time with their loved ones while enjoying some tasty dishes.

Visiting Museums or Parks

Going to the museums or the parks is also another way to celebrate Family Day. South African families, especially those with little kids, customarily visit amusement parks/ theme parks on this day. With the holiday’s observance, it’s expected for these places to have more visitors than usual. The Gold Reef City in Johannesburg, Gauteng (which offers various exciting family-oriented adventures and some of the most thrilling rides in the southern hemisphere), the uShaka Marine World in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (which offers water rides, dolphin, seal & penguin shows, and other water-related activities), the Adventure Land in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape (which offers a playground area as well as braai and picnic facilities), and the Sun City Theme Park in North West Province (which offers various family-centered leisure and entertainment options) are only few of the numerous amusement parks/theme parks in South Africa which are commonly visited by the public during the holiday. For others, museum visits are also an interesting choice to spend the day. Nonetheless, whatever the choice of place is, and regardless if it’s indoors or outdoors, the people should still have a wonderful Family Day celebration if they got to spend it together with their families and their closest friends.