Celebrate Christmas on Paarl Mountain
…with gifts, picnics and Springbok Moon at Taalmonument
As befits a good tradition, Santa once again decided to hand out gifts during the popular December full moon picnic at the iconic Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM) on SATURDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2024.
A beautiful evening with children’s entertainment, playgrounds and outdoor games for the young ones – as well as a sunset followed by a full moon and Santa – promises to transform the day into an unforgettable event. As the picnic series is in aid of ‘Let’s Read!’, the ATM’s literacy project, visitors are requested to donate a new or used children’s book.
The gates already open at 16:00, after which children have their faces painted for free, play in the gardens and participate in craft activities from 17:00 to 19:00. For the older children there are also skills activities. Guests are encouraged to explore the surroundings and the symbol-laden sculpture – a free guided tour takes place at 18:00 to explain everything. At 19:30 Santa should make his appearance to share the presents, so parents should please hand in their children’s clearly marked gifts by 18:30 in his stocking in the Visitor Centre.
In support of the Centre for Astronomical Heritage’s project to promote indigenous names for full moons in Southern Africa, this picnic is also dedicated to the springbok (‘guchas’ in Khoi). It was one of the important sources of meat for the /Xam and presented them with great challenges when hunting it. As magical animals, springboks are so spiritually and physically close to the /Xam that the hunters could feel the movements of the animals as beatings and tappings beneath their own skin. Place names such as Springbok, Mofulatshepe (place where the springboks graze) and Springbokvlakte show how important these animals are to Southern Africans.
Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics and drinks (no glass) or to order picnics in advance at Suikerkan via 082 216 2510 or info@diesuikerkan.co.za – this bistro will also sell refreshments during the event. Dress warmly and bring a torch; ample parking is available. The event will last until 22:00.
Tickets are only R40 per adult, R10 for SA students, pensioners and children under 18, and FREE for children under six as well as holders of annual permits. They are available via quicket.co.za or at the gate. For information, contact Stefanie Rasztabiga on 021 863 0543 or kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za. More on the Centre for Astronomical Heritage at cfah.org.za/fullmoon. The next full moon picnics are on 10 January, 14 February (on Valentine’s Day) and 14 March in 2025.
- For more information on all the other exciting events, concerts and courses at the Taalmonument, call 021 872 3441/863 0543, visit co.za or follow them on Facebook. The website also offers virtual tours of the monument and museum, information in six languages on the symbolism of the Taalmonument as well as many interesting articles on Afrikaans, multilingualism and the institution’s past, present and future. There are also numerous resources for school and research projects. Annual permits are available at only R120 for individuals or R220 per family, which includes unlimited access to the ATM, bistro and Full Moon Picnics. The bistro offers delicious food and beautiful views daily; contact them via diesuikerkan.co.zaor 082 216 2510.