Upcoming Festivals in Soweto

South Western Township or Soweto as it is more commonly known is a melting pot of South African cultures as well as a popular tourist destination. Orlando West in Soweto is the only street in the world to house two Nobel Peace Prize winners, both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have houses in Vilakazi Street.

The Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto is the biggest hospital in the world. And if you are not yet convinced you need to pay Soweto a visit let us give you a few more reasons as Soweto will be a hub of activity in September and October 2009 …

The fun kicks off with the Soweto Festival from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September, this is help annually on the Heritage Day weekend.

We couldn’t ask for a more magnificent venue as Walter Sisulu Sqaure in Kliptown – this was where the historic signing of the Freedom Charter by anti-apartheid organisations took place in 1955 – it is also a national monument.

This festival has a few hundred stalls with everything from tourism, crafts, furniture, health and beauty to property and hi-tech goods. There will also be day-long entertainment provided, so be sure you don’t miss out.

Food lovers will not be disappointed as the Soweto Food Festival takes place from 1-4 October 2009 at the Hyundai Stadium in Pimville.

During this time both local and international contemporary food will be showcased. GHear about the latest trends in the food industry straight from the source as you rub shoulders with some of South Africa’s leading “foodies”.

Beer, wine and whiskey tastings to compliment the delicious food will also be on offer.

This year marks the fourth annual Soweto Mushroom Festival where all things mushroom will be celebrated. The festival starts on the last weekend of October (Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2009).

An initiative from the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association in conjunction with the Soweto Tourism Association the festival aims to shed light onto the versatility and flavour of mushrooms. Soweto’s restaurants, pubs and clubs do their share in supporting this festival by creating and serving unique and tasty mushroom dishes on their menus.

Mushroom cooking demonstrations, prizes, mushroom tastings and plenty of information about fresh cultivated mushrooms will be on offer. If you would like more information about this unique festival you can contact Sifiso on +27 (0)11 325-6006.

And finally don’t forget about the Nedbank Soweto Marathon which takes place on Sunday 1 November 2009.

It clear to see that Soweto has a lot to offer over the next few months, so be sure you don’t miss any of the action!

Useful Links:
Soweto Attractions
Soweto Accommodation
Things to Do in Soweto