How to Celebrate Freedom Day in Johannesburg

Going Out

Vilakazi Street

Take me to Soweto! You have to head to this symbol of the nation one of these good days people, especially on this special day. It is regarded as one of the most famous urban areas in Joburg and it holds a ton of our history. So, we suggest you grab the family and friends, and head to the most visited street in this urban area. We think you'll love it. Click here for more information. 490979185

Lilliesleaf Farm

Not many people are familiar with the history behind Lilliesleaf Farm in Rivonia. In the early 60s, the property was the headquarters for covert, underground activities and a safe house for many leading figures of the liberation movement. Today, it is a heritage site that stands for the proclamation for freedom. We think its fitting for it to be on our list and should be on yours too. If we're gonna celebrate this day, we have to do it right! Click here for more information.

Constitution Hill

The remnants of an old fort and holding cells for political prisoners has been turned into the domain of South Africa's Constitutional Court and proclaimed a national heritage site. Constitution Hill is in Braamfontein, just up the road from the train station, and deserves your attention. And you know what's even more exciting on this day? The Back To The City concert that happens every year. This year's theme is The Freedom Charter: The Congress Of The People. Tickets are R150 – R600 per person, buy yours here! This year they promise to make it even bigger, just check out the lineup:

Cassper Nyovest
Stogie T
Youngst CPT
Boom Shaka
Ricky Rick
Emtee
Gigi Lamayne
A surprise international act, and many more...

Click here for more information. Constitution Hill

Gauteng Fvck Racism Festival

Raise your hand if you've visited Joburger's Facebook page – we honestly think this page is the best thing that happened to South Africa, it's also safe to safe to say it's everybody's happy place. So, they thought it would be an amazing idea to bring all the interaction happening on the page to real life, allowing all its followers to finally meet and laugh together – not let racism have the last laugh. Such a perfect way to celebrate the day, right? There will music, food, drinks and all things nice. To those who want to grab Fvck Racism merch, there will be stalls selling. Entrance is free of charge. Click here for more information.

Family Braai Picnic & Colour Festival Joburg

This is regarded as South Africa's biggest braai picnic travel event, bringing people from all walks of life to enjoy the festivities amongst their loved ones and meeting new friends. It is also said to be en extraordinary movement that promotes family social activities and gatherings. People from different backgrounds will have the opportunity to network over a braai, drinks, music, and some colour powder splashing fun. Bring along your braai packs, picnic baskets, snacks, drinks, camp chairs, gazebo and anything else you think you’ll need for a day out in the park. Tickets are R50 – R500, get yours here! Click here for more information. Family Braai Picnic & Colour Festival Joburg

Fairy Festival

It's Freedom Day everybody, which means we have the freedom to express ourselves however we want. And since we're free enough to be fairies at this Fairy Festival, why don't we? Calling all fairies and lovers of all things fantasy. Make sure you save the date, dust off your prettiest outfits and wings, and come out for a day of magic and family fun. Tickets are R50 – R100 per person, get yours online. You can expect:

A maypole with dancing ribbons
A real pirate shipwreck with Pirates
Splash ponds
Celtic Folk music
Hair & body glittering
Fairy crafts
Fantasy face painting
Kites decorating the sky
Dancers
Ribbon wands & giant bubbles

Click here for more information.

Freedom Day Debate

To those who particularly enjoy debates and constructive talks about what concerns society, youth, and the future of this beautiful country. The topic around freedom and democracy has centred on being entirely free and having equal opportunity for each South Africa,. So, to make sure you don't miss out on this event, join in at The Apartheid Museum as they will be hosting a discussion entitled "Are We Truly Free". You can expect to meet up with Blade Nzimande, Karima Brown and Eusebius McKaiser. Click here for more information. Freedom Day Debate

Apartheid Museum

We're definitely putting the The Apartheid Museum on our list. It is a museum complex dedicated to illustrating apartheid and the 20th century history of South Africa. This makes it one of the best spots to celebrate Freedom Day. Click here for more information.

Freedom Park

Though it's not in Johannesburg. it still deserves our attention – besides, Pretoria is pretty much Joburg's little brother anyway. Freedom Park celebrates South Africa's heritage as a centre of knowledge aimed at deepening the understanding of the nation. It strives to accommodate all of the country's experiences and symbols to tell one coherent story. Click here for more information.

Staying In

Movie Marathon

Hollywood is in love with our stories of trials, tribulation and success. And why shouldn't they be? We've got a very rich history. Why not rent Invictus, Mandela: a Long Walk to Freedom and Cry Freedom and have yourself a little movie marathon. Don't forget the popcorn! We'll take extra butter, please.

Braai

If there is one thing which unites us more than when the Springboks win a match, it's the fact that we love our braais. Why not invite the buddies over and celebrate the day which shaped our nation. If you're keen to try out our very own marinade recipe, click here.

Books to Read

Why not skip the movie marathon and grab one of these books for your reading pleasure: Steve Biko's I Write What I Like, Breyten Breytenbach's The Confessions of an Albino Terrorist or Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom. It's a good excuse to curl up in bed as the April weather takes a turn.