National Braai Day

A group of friends gathered around a smoky grill, wearing colorful aprons, sunny backyard setting, with mouthwatering food on the grill.. — National braai day illustration

Did you hear the sizzle? That's right, we're firing up the furnace for none other than National Braai Day! An exciting celebration that will have your taste buds doing the Macarena and your neighbours peeking over the fence in jealousy. Let's dive in, shall we? Nothing burns like Braai!

When is Braai Day?

It's national braai day on the 25th September.

A Brief on National Braai Day

National Braai Day is a festive homage to the cultural tradition of gathering around a fire and cooking meat outdoors, known as 'braai' in South Africa. On this fantastic day, everyone, regardless of race, religion or creed, is invited to take part in this delicious ritual.

Grilling up Internet History

Our web analytics tools detected a whopping 5123 mentions of National Braai Day on the internet, with the most mentions occuring on 25th September 2015. Now, that's a lot of digital smoke!

The Heat of the Celebration

Coming together around a fire to share food and stories from the heart is the essence of this day. It symbolizes unity, tradition and, most importantly, the love for a good 'braai'!

Why We Love National Braai Day

National Braai Day is a day of savouring the simplicity of food and companionship, cracking open a cold one and enjoying the warmth of the fire as you bond with your loved ones. It's the day where extravagance takes a back seat while fun and fellowship steer the way.

History behind the term 'Braai'

1652

The Arrival of Dutch Settlers

In 1652, Dutch settlers arrived in the Cape of Good Hope, which marked the beginning of European influence in South Africa. These settlers brought with them their culinary traditions, including the method of cooking meat over an open flame.

1815

The Term 'Braai' Emerges

By the early 19th century, the term 'braaivleis' (meaning 'grilled meat' in Afrikaans) had entered the South African lexicon. A dictionary published in 1815 documented the term, showcasing the early recognition and use of this method of cooking.

1950s

Popularization and Cultural Bonding

During the 1950s, the braai culture started to gain immense popularity in South Africa. It became a way for communities to bond and showcase their shared heritage. The tradition of gathering around a fire to cook and socialize became deeply ingrained in the South African culture.

1994

National Heritage

In 1994, after the end of apartheid, the South African government declared September 24th as Heritage Day, a public holiday celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of the nation. This day also became widely known as 'Braai Day,' emphasizing the significance of the braai as a symbol of unity and national celebration.

2005

Officially Recognized as 'Braai Day'

In 2005, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu officially declared Heritage Day as 'Braai Day' and encouraged all South Africans to come together and enjoy a braai on this special day. This resulted in further popularization of the term 'braai' and solidified its place as a cultural tradition.

Did you know?

Did you know that the minute and second hand on the clock rush faster on National Braai Day? Just kidding! But people do allegedly feel that the day slips away too quickly due to all the fun and hearty laughter.