Oui Oui Madames et Monsieurs it’s Bastille Festival again!
Every year in July, Franschhoek brings out its red, white and blue in celebration of it’s Bastille Day Festival.
What is Bastille Day?
This is a French National Day which commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution with the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790. Celebrations are held throughout France.
Why is it celebrated by by Franschhoek?
In 1994 with South Africa’s first democratic election, this tradition was adopted by Franschhoek in honour of celebrating Freedom!
“Franschhoek (“French Corner”, Dutch spelling before 1947 Fransche Hoek) is a small town in the Western Cape Province and one of the oldest towns of the Republic of South Africa.
The valley was originally settled in 1688 by 176 French Huguenot refugees, many of whom were given land by the Dutch government in a valleycalled Olifantshoek (“Elephants’ corner”), so named because of the elephants that crossed into the valley to calve. The name of the area soon changed to le Coin Français (“the French Corner”), and later to Franschhoek (Dutch for “French Corner”), with many of the settlers naming their new farms after the areas in France from which they came.[2] La Motte, Champagne, La Cotte, Cabrière, La Provence, Bourgogne, La Terra de Luc and La Dauphine were among some of the first established farms — most of which still retain their original Cape Dutch farm houses today. These farms have grown into renowned wineries. Many of the surnames in the area are of French origin, e.g. Du Toit, Marais, Du Plessis, Malan, Malherbe, and Joubert”. – Excerpt from Wikipedia.com (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franschhoek)
Wine and foodie lovers unite this week-end at this feast for the senses!
The focal point at the Bastille Festival 2015, is the Food and Wine Hall, where Franschhoek’s award winning and famous wine estates are on offer for a mere R120 pp which includes a tasting glass and R20 wine voucher. Kids under 18 go free!
At the Market @ BICCCS you’ll find finest artisanal produce from in and around the winelands. This includes homemade chocolates, olives, honey, cheese, artisanal breads, Franschhoek olive oil and so much more. Entry is free!!
Lastly in the Food & Wine Marquee located inside the Huguenot Monument, delicious delights from some of Franschhoek’s well-known restaurants await you. Entry costs R200pp, this includes: a complimentary tasting glass, a booklet of tasting coupons as well as a R20 wine voucher to be used on the day. Additional coupons can be purchased on the day.
Other French inspired activities for the whole family to enjoy are some boules, stilt walkers, best dressed French costume contest and of course, what would a festival be without some LIVE music!
For more information see http://www.franschhoekbastille.co.za/ or follow on Twitter @Franschhoek_SA
Bonjour!
#wishyouwerehere
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