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the history behind braai and Braai day
South Africa's National Braai Day - 24th September
South Africa experienced a historic transformation in 1995 when Nelson Mandela was elected the first South African black president. To commemorate this event National Heritage Day was established.
This led to September 24th being officially recognised as "National Braai Day."
National Braai Day is a celebration of the nations diverse cultural heritage which brings people together from all walks of life to
share a meal cooked over an open flame.
The celebration has extended beyond South Africa's borders, with people around the world joining in the festivities.
The origin of Braai
The word "braai" comes from Afrikaans, where it simply means
"barbecue" or "grill."
The traditional South African way of cooking meat over an open flame - indigenous groups like the Khoikhoi and San had been using open fires to prepare food for centuries.
When European settlers, particularly the Dutch, arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in the 17th century, they brought their grilling traditions with them. The Dutch term "braaivleis," meaning "grilled meat," eventually became a part of South African culture.
It's often said in such a diverse country that Braai is something that unites all South Africans.