Cape Town
Kite Festival
Muizenberg, South Africa
RISE UP AND FLY!
I previously placed this event on my calendar, and on this beautiful October 2014 morning departed my residence in Sea Point for the thirty-five minute drive to Muizenberg to photographically cover the Cape Town International Kite Festival.
Billed as “Africa’s biggest kite festival”, the event is proudly hosted by Cape Mental Health, a registered non-profit and public benefit organisation that provides or facilitates comprehensive, pro-active and enabling mental health services in the Western Cape. They are committed to challenging socially restrictive and discriminatory practices affecting the mental health of all people. All profits go towards helping Cape Mental Health provide vital services to adults and children in resource-poor communities.
Historically, as early as the 1600’s (but probably before) the Khoikhoi people used the region as a pastoral home. In 1670 The Dutch East India Company established the area as a cattle farm (because of its rich fertile soil), and in 1743 the village of Muizenberg was established as one of the first Dutch military outposts in the region. Today, Muizenberg is considered to be the birthplace of surfing in South Africa.
amazing kite creations
The festival provides amazing professional kiting displays that include giant inflatables, stunt kites and kite fighting among others.
kite-making workshops
Those attending can bring their own kite, buy one at the festival – or join in one of the available kite-making workshops. Or just come along to see amazing kite creations from around the world.
Heritage (Swaeltjie) Kite Competition
Local kite-makers are invited to enter the Heritage Kite Competition. Judges will be looking for the best ‘Swaeltjie’, a traditional, hand-made swallow shape kite, made with bamboo, paper or material. There is also an Open category for hand-crafted kites of any shape. There are cash prizes to be won.
Edukite Competition
Primary schools and schools for learners with special educational needs show off their kite creations and hope to win cash prizes for their school in the annual EduKite Competition.
Food & craft stalls
Visitors can enjoy good food prepared in local cultural tradition, relax in cosy areas, view performances, and shop for a kite or crafts at the many available stalls.
Festival Activities
The annual Kite Festival – now in its 20th year – offers a range of fantastic family fun activities in aid of a very good cause. Children aged between 2 to 6 years old, are provided with free entry and can enjoy the many events and picturing colouring.
Muizenberg Beach, Muizenberg, South Africa
