Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees 2018
The KKNK, as it is known for short is a predominantly Afrikaans language event with some English incorporated into the festival programme. The week-long event is considered one of South Africa’s largest arts and culture festivals, attracting thousands of visitors per year and features some 200 performances. This ever-popular event takes place from the 29 March - 4 April 2018.
The KKNK is the brainchild of two local businessmen, with the inaugural event being held in 1994, making this popular festival 21 years old in 2014. With so many years of tried and tested programmes behind it, you can be sure that this festival is certainly one of the best with superb recipe of entertainment comprising myriad genres of cutting- edge theatre productions, kids entertainment, visual arts installments, live music performances and much more.
The festival is held in Oudtshoorn, a small town in the Karoo, and the end point on Route 62. Usually the settlement, which is known for ostrich farming, is quiet and unassuming by nature, but becomes abuzz with festivity during the event! The main streets are closed off to traffic and become lined with street food vendors, buskers and swathes of festival goers - making it a street party of note. The bars and restaurants throw their doors wide open and patrons spill out onto the pavements. It is a very festive time indeed.
While the KKNK has a distinctly party feel to it, it is also known for being a culturally significant event on the Afrikaans calendar, and a not-to-be event for many. Not only does it showcase the best in Afrikaans performance art, with many shows making their debut there, but it is also a great place to observe some of the more subtle Afrikaans cultural cues – the informal sokkie dancing, the distinct sounds of Afrikaans pop music and the braai broodjies (toasted bread on the fire) for sale being some examples.
Ticket prices vary according to the show, but one thing is certain: If South African performance art is important to you, you need to take a trip to the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees.
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