Day to celebrate French flair
THE annual Francofête Day takes place in Sutton Park in Durban’s Morningside suburb on Tuesday.
Sponsored by the Alliance Francaise de Durban and the eThekwini Municipality, Francofête celebrates diversity and tolerance on Human Rights Day.
“Culture is a good way to break down walls and mingle,” says Alliance Francaise director Vincent Frontczak. “We hope to bring together all walks of life in Durban, transcending all cultures, generations and communities. We look forward to a festive day of social cohesion in English, Zulu, French, Swahili, Créole, sign language and more.”
The event takes place in two parts – a family event from 10.30am to 4pm and a sundowner music concert from 4.30pm to 8pm. Entry is free.
There will be face painting, gumboot dancing, a kiddies’ drawing corner, story-telling, dance and music. Among the dance displays will be a performance by Shelby Strange, and Alive Kids will show off their energetic works.
Durban hip-hop artist Iain “Ewok” Robinson will MC events.
There will also be a market offering clothing, crafts, decor items and gift ideas. Some of Durban’s fashion designers will be displaying their ranges.
A number of chefs are getting together to provide a French-inspired menu.
Chef Shaun Smith and his team at Fusion French Café will be co-ordinating the KZN leg of the third Goût de France (Good France) festival which celebrates French gastronomy worldwide on Tuesday. More than 1 500 chefs on five continents will be taking part in the event.
Chef Markus Banzinger and his team will offer French-Swiss fare, French delicacies and local cuisine. La Baguette de Paris will offer homemade breads and patisseries.
“Bring a blanket, pack a picnic basket and settle in for a day of fun. If listening to music is your thing, join us for the sundowner concert,” said committee member Themi Venturas.
The concert features Malian band BKO Quinte whose music has been a hit throughout Africa and Europe. Also on the bill is SA Roy and Forest Jam, a seven-piece Swiss and Malagasy music collaboration. From Durban comes The Meditators with their brand of fusion reggae. The Durban-based Amani Band, originally from DRC, will play Afro jazz and Congolese rumba.
The Alliance Française is at 22 Sutton Crescent, Morningside, or call 031 312 9582.