New Year Celebrations
In South Africa, we follow the Western tradition of celebrating the New Year on the 1st January. Saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming in the new is one of the oldest traditions celebrated by humankind. We usually spend this time reflecting on the year that has passed, and making plans for what we hope is to come. It is an opportunity to close the door on the negative experiences of the old year, and anticipate better things in the New Year. Most people regard it as a fresh start, which they celebrate by partying hard.
New Year's celebrations are spent with family and friends. It is more common to spend Christmas with family, observing long-standing traditions, and New Year is a time when we let our hair down with our friends. In South Africa, offices close and people take time off over the Festive Season, so by the time New Year comes around, most of us are relaxed and happy, and in the mood for a lekker jol. This usually takes the form of a braai or party at someone's home, at a club, or at a restaurant.
Haven't made any New Year plans as yet? How about these events below?
1. Sutherland Star Party
Between Boxing Day and New Year's Eve, Sutherland, renowned not only for its cold but also for being home to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), will celebrate a week long astronomy party, culminating in an unprecedented and unforgettable New Year's Eve bash under the stars: For the first time ever, the research telescopes (including SALT) will be open to the public for the whole night. The star party on the otherwise restricted plateau will only end with the first sunrise of the International Year of Astronomy 2009! The people of Sutherland, in partnership with the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) and the Karoo-Hoogland Municipality, welcome visitors from all over the world to join this celebration of the stars.
Time: 8:00
Entrance: free - R150
Venue: SAAO Sutherland
Contact details: Natalie Jones 0214609345
2. New Year's Eve Bash at the V&A Waterfront
See in the New Year with a bang at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront at the ever popular New Year's Eve Bash. With a programme of live music, street performers and other entertainers, this is one of the biggest New Year parties in the city and always attracts thousands of visitors. On the stroke of midnight, a fireworks display lights up the picturesque Waterfront area.
Times: 21h00-02h00
Tel +27 (0)21 408 7600.
Website: www.waterfront.co.za
New Year dress up party @mospheer.
Tickets: free entrance for those in costume.
More Info: www.atmospheer.com
4. 94.5 Kfm New Year's Eve Concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens Concert
Freshlyground & Dr Victor and The Rasta Rebels
Time: 19:00
Location: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Booking for this concert is essential (booking will close once 5 000 tickets have been sold). Seating is unreserved and on the lawn. Tickets will cost R190 and will be available from the Kirstenbosch Ticket Office.
Concert info: 021 799 8783/8620/8773
Ticket sales: 021 761 2866 / 799 8782
Online ticket sales: www.tunegum.com
www.sanbi.org
Whatever your plans are, we hope you have a wonderful celebration to welcome in the New Year.
Best wishes from the SmartCape team for a peaceful, happy and successful 2009!!
