THE SA-WESTCOAST HUB- South Africa's west coast revealed- towns, history, tours, routes, local attractions eateries, accommodation, and much more - Become a member - SEE CLICKABLE AREA MAP
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Traditional West Coast Storytelling Darling storytelling Kuier There's a new storytelling festival being launched in the West Coast, held annually in and around Darling (approx 45 min. north of Cape Town on the R27). The West Coasters are traditionally some of the best storytellers of the nation. Holding a festival is one of the best ways to get in touch with the authentic local culture of the West Coast, the kind of culture that's almost impossible to experience unless you're already a local.  The stories of the anti-apartheid struggle in this region alone are replete with memorable characters, daring adventure, tragic suffering and exceptional courage, and this only scratches the surface of the oral histories reaching back thousands of years. The mission station at Mamre is over 2 centuries old and sailors' legends of 'strandlopers' reach back to the Portuguese mariners of the 15th century. The San traditions link oral stories with rock paintings in the region, and who knows what traditional lore tells about "Eve's Footprints" (fossilized in the nearby West Coast National Park) that have been dated to 117,000 years ago? Combined with authentic and distinctive regional cuisine (perfect for you Slow Food addicts), I can't think of a better way to spend a winter's afternoon. And the wildflowers are beginning to show themselves in patches along the way...a morning looking at the floral splendors and an afternoon around a fire with stories and comfort food - perfection!
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