Ooh I love festivals! One of the first and most memorable that I've attended is Lusito Land - held annually in the South of Johannesburg, Wemmerpan. Every year I burst at the thought of attending this charity fundraiser in aid of physically and mentally challenged inviduals. It wasn't until I actually attended for the first time that I discovered the good message and efforts of the Portugese community and I've been attending ever since.
My personal favourite is the Tombola, a lucky-draw type kiosk whereby one gets to pick rolled up paper straws which possibly reveal a lucky number. Out of the thousands of small rolled up straws one would be lucky to get a winning ticket. The prizes? Only the very kitchest and most Southern Joburg treats around. 2 years ago I must have spent R200 on Tombola, my addictive, inner gambler unsatisfied with the imitation bush hat and eraser I had managed to win. This year luck was on my side. Almost every ticket a winner as I scooped up a pack of old bath pellets, a box of chalk (which I handed onto Alisha) and S.K.O my "super kitch owl" made of brass, greening on the one side with rust from standing on Aunty Maria's kitchen sink for 25 years. The pencil is in my desk drawer at home and I gave the packet of multicoloured scours to Jenna. Good times!
So that was just the beginning and if you manage to contain your excitement from the Tombola which graces the entrance to the grounds, you're in for a treat. A feast of Portugese food and dance awaits you from the moment you walk in. From Espetada to Prawns, traditional salted sardines to baked custard tarts. And if you are eating you cannot be seen without a Caipirinha in hand, a most delicious lemon drink infused with white spirits and totally addictive flavour.
Stalls are filled with curious shoppers, and my new vintage-style hat was a bargain at R60! After I had my picture taken with a massive boa, I ventured off to the fun fair side where I rode to my hearts content on all the stomache turning, middle-ear frazzling rides like a 6 year old! I also landed up with a lovely, deep tissue bruise on my right leg from being tossed around (twice) on one particular ride that just made me laugh and laugh with hysteria. So much so that I couldn't help but do it all again, regardless of the pain.
Why go back to Kitchville you ask? Every year I'm engrossed in a culture that just oozes tradition, pride and so much joy. I even went up to the MC who picked me out from a crowd and I gave a 'shout out' to all my mates who joined the festivities. "I'm not Portugese but I wish I waaaaaaas", the crowd roared with cheer. I'm on their territory and I don't have a knife in my sock. I just wish other cultures would follow suit. Eating, drinking and dancing for charity - now thats a tradition I'd easily adopt!
Walking Into The Grounds
Boa and I Posing For A Photie
Trying On Hats At The Stalls (I bought this too)
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