Portuguese Festival marks historical event
IN 1552, our shoreline was witness to a tragic event, the wrecking of the Sao Joao, a Portuguese ship that came to grief on rocks near Port Edward during a mighty storm.
The ship was homeward bound from India back to Portugal, carrying a rich cargo of pepper, porcelain, beads, tapestries and other expensive items.
Of the 600 souls aboard, about 100 lost their lives when the ship was wrecked. The survivors then headed north along the coastline in the hopes that they would be rescued but only 21 of them made it to Mozambique alive. As well as a tragic story, the wrecking of the Sao Joao has important historic significance in that it was the first recorded cargo ship to wreck on the coastline of South Africa.
More than four centuries have passed since this nautical disaster but some reminders remain. From time to time porcelain shards from the Sao Jaoa still wash up on our beaches and there is a memorial at Splash Rock. Local people also commemorate the Portuguese chapter of our rich and diverse history with a big annual festival.
Don’t miss this, the 2015 Portuguese Mariners’ Food, Wine and Family Festival at Fazenda’s at Mac Banana lifestyle centre in Munster, on July 25 and 26, starting at 9am. It will start with a shipwreck opening dinner. Guests are invited to wear whatever they were wearing ‘when the ship went down’.
During the festival the traditional Portuguese central beer garden will be offering non-stop entertainment and big screens showing all the top sporting fixtures in the evenings. For those whose tastes flow towards the vineyards, top South African winemakers will offer fabulous wine tastings at the Wishing Well centre court. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity of tasting some authentic Portuguese port at the boutique Sao Joao Indoor Bar.
Set under the scenic vine-entwined pathway will be a feast of global delicacies including jams, cheese, olives, fresh produce and baked goods. These will be available for sale at Mac Banana’s Food Emporium.
As for authentic Portuguese flavours, the Portuguese Bakery will offer delectable biscuits, cakes and breads while a variety of Portuguese dishes will be supplied by Fazenda’s Kitchen in the main dining area. Those visiting on Sunday can enjoy the Portuguese buffet, also available in the main dining hall.
There will be an array of handmade items at the arts and crafts market alongside the nursery and landscaped display gardens. A selection of fresh-cut flowers and pot plants will be on sale at the Portuguese Fresh Flower Market. There are still limited stall openings available for vendors or crafters hoping to be part of the cultural festivities, so make sure you book your place now.
Special guests to this year’s festival are the Rancho Folkloric Regiões de Portugal dancers as well as the Portuguese Consul-General who will also attend the Mariners’ Mass at the Portuguese Festival Chapel on Sunday 26 July at 11.30am.
Visitors are invited to join the dignitaries after Mass as they visit the Sao Joao memorial site where a ceremonial wreath will be laid in honour of those who lost their lives at sea.
