For more than a decade, Port Edward residents on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast have commemorated the lives of the passengers of Portuguese ship, Sao Joao. The ship was wrecked on rocks outside Port Edward in 1552 on its return journey from India when it got caught in the fatal storm, killing 126 passengers, including Princess Leonora de Sousa.
So in celebration of this historic occasion, the annual Portuguese Mariners Food, Wine & Family Festival will be taking place this weekend on the 25th – 26th July 2015 and to kick start festivities, a Shipwreck opening party has been planned for Friday 24th.
“This Sao Joao shipwreck is the first recorded time Europeans landed in South Africa so it has amazing historical significance for both the Portuguese and South Africans,” explained Gillian Habib, Chairman of the Portuguese Mariners Food, Wine & Family Festival committee. “The Shipwreck party is a fun way to celebrate the lives of the survivors and victims’ in a fun, relaxed environment.”
Party guests are invited to wear what they would have been wearing ‘when the ship went down’. This means that anything from ball gowns and tuxedos to pajamas and overalls are welcome so get creative and raid your wardrobe for a fun outfit. There are some awesome prizes up for grabs including flat screen TV’s.
The R150 ticket entitles party-goers to a fantastic 3 course meal at Fazenda’s at Mac Banana between Munster and Palm Beach on the South Coast, which is also the venue for Saturday and Sunday’s lineup of festivities.
Children are also welcome to attend at a special price of R35 which includes a burger, chips and soft drink.
Justin Mackrory, Chief Executive Officer of UGU South Coast Tourism, said the Shipwreck Party, and festival overall, was hugely significant for the area. “It’s a really great chance for people to experience the Portuguese culture mixed with the warm hospitality of the South Coast,” said Mackrory. “It’s an important historical celebration and a really fun family event.”
So make sure you get to The Portuguese Mariners Food, Wine & Family Festival this weekend. For Shipwreck party bookings please contact Justine 039-319 1125 or Melissa on 039-319 1677.
