Mountain of milk, moon and picnics
Full moon in honour of dairy at Taalmonument
With another year coming to an end, a lovely spring evening on the beautiful Paarl Mountain is the perfect place to celebrate the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM)’s full moon picnic on FRIDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 2025.
These popular picnics attract locals and tourists alike who enjoy unforgettable evenings thanks to the breathtaking sunset, moonrise, natural beauty and panoramic views over mountains, valleys and the Cape Peninsula. Guests are welcome to relax and picnic at any time between 17:00 and 22:00 while also exploring the monument – a unique sculpture rich in symbolism. A free guided tour, explaining the meaning and design of the monument, starts at 18:30. Visitors can also explore the exhibitions and surroundings, while children can have loads of fun in the playgrounds and with the outdoor games.
In support of the Centre for Astronomical Heritage’s project to promote indigenous names for full moons in Southern Africa, this picnic is dedicated to the Milk Moon – this refers to the fact that dairy has always been an important source of protein for, among others, the Khoekhoen. It was presented fresh and fermented to visitors, and was used in the preparation of food as well as the making of butter.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks (no glass, please). Also remember warm clothing and a torch to enjoy the evening to the fullest. Free, safe parking is available. The picnic series supports the ATM’s literacy project ‘Let’s Read!’, which aims to introduce children to the joy of reading. Picnickers are warmly encouraged to donate new or second-hand children’s books.
Tickets are R40 for adults, R10 for SA students, pensioners and children up to 18, and FREE for children under 6 years as well as annual permit holders. They are available at quicket.co.za or the gate. More on the Centre for Astronomical Heritage at cfah.org.za/fullmoon. The next Full Moon Picnics are on 7 November (Milk), 5 December (Springbok), 3 January 2026 (Praying Mantis), 30 January (Leopard) and 28 February (Dassie).
* For information regarding all the exciting events, concerts and courses at the Taalmonument, call 021 872 3441/863 0543, visit taalmuseum.co.za, sign up for the newsletter or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. 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.