Southern Tip Day is celebrated annually around the third weekend of May in the town of L’Algulhas on the West Coast of South Africa.
This year’s festival will be held on the 17th and 18th of May and welcomes Art and Culture, Tourism and Hospitality, and Conservation and Wildlife exhibitors in the community to educate and inspire both fellow locals and tourists alike as well as exploring of the town through activities like the park walk and run which will begin at the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, and dinner at L’Agulhas Seafoods on the 18th of May.
The festival owes its origins to commemorating Portuguese explorer, Bartolomeu Dias and, as quoted in the Southern Tip Day booklet: “In 1488 Bartolomeu Dias turned back after failing to reach the East in search of a trading route. On his return journey he passed a flat piece of land on May 16 which he named ‘Ponte de Sao Brendao’, in honour of the Irish monk St Brendan, whose festival day it was.”
For the birding enthusiast the festival provides opportunity for some viewing of the coast’s feathery locals and then of course don’t forget theLighthouse Museum
The street festival runs through Main road in L’Agulhas village in the open space on Main road near the Crafty Pig restaurant which will also fill your belly and wet your throat.
It’s an initiative for the community, by the community, as well as to promote and encourage tourism but also environmental awareness and conservation of the West Coast.
If you’re heading out this way soon take the time to stop past. You’ll leave with a good piece of South Africa forged in your memory for life.
Feel free to view a few more photos of the area HERE
