What Is Heritage Day? The Story Behind South Africa's Braai Day

Quick summary: Heritage Day is a South African public holiday celebrated every year on 24 September, honouring the country's diverse cultures, traditions and histories. The day has also become closely associated with National Braai Day, bringing South Africans together around fire, food and shared traditions. At Vivat Bacchus in London, those South African traditions live on through braai cooking, South African wines and Heritage Day celebrations.

Every year on 24 September, South Africans come together to celebrate the cultures, languages, traditions and stories that shape the country.

Heritage Day is a chance to recognise where people come from, share the customs that matter to them and celebrate the diversity of South Africa.

For many, the day has also become inseparable from another much-loved South African tradition: the braai.

But why is Heritage Day celebrated on 24 September? How did it become associated with Braai Day? And what makes cooking over fire such an important part of South African culture?

Here is the story behind one of South Africa's most recognisable celebrations.

What Is Heritage Day in South Africa?

Heritage Day is a national public holiday in South Africa, celebrated on 24 September each year.

The holiday has been observed nationally since 1995, following South Africa's transition to democracy.

Rather than celebrating one single culture or tradition, Heritage Day recognises the many communities that make up South Africa.

Across the country, people may celebrate by wearing traditional clothing, preparing regional dishes, attending cultural events, listening to music or simply gathering with family and friends.

The idea at the heart of Heritage Day is straightforward: South Africa's many different cultures are all part of the country's shared heritage.

Why Is Heritage Day Celebrated on 24 September?

The story of Heritage Day is connected to an earlier commemoration known as Shaka Day.

In KwaZulu-Natal, 24 September was traditionally observed in honour of King Shaka, one of the most significant figures in Zulu history.

When South Africa's new public holiday calendar was being established following the end of apartheid, the date was initially not included.

Following discussions and political negotiations, 24 September was retained and expanded into Heritage Day, creating a national celebration that could recognise the cultural heritage of all South Africans.

The first national Heritage Day was celebrated in 1995.

How Did Heritage Day Become Braai Day?

For many South Africans, Heritage Day is now almost as closely associated with the braai as it is with cultural celebrations.

This connection grew through the Braai4Heritage initiative, which encouraged South Africans to celebrate Heritage Day by gathering around a braai.

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu became a patron of the initiative and helped bring national attention to the idea.

The concept resonated because braais were already an important part of social life for many communities throughout South Africa.

Rather than replacing Heritage Day, National Braai Day became another popular way of celebrating it.

Today, you may hear 24 September referred to as Heritage Day, National Braai Day or simply Braai Day.

What Is a South African Braai?

A braai is the South African tradition of cooking food over an open fire or hot coals.

The word comes from Afrikaans, and braaing is distinguished by its use of fire and coals to cook food while adding characteristic smoky, flame-grilled flavours.

What goes onto the braai varies widely. Boerewors, steak, lamb, chicken, sosaties, fish, seafood and vegetables can all be cooked this way.

The fire is an important part of the process. It is prepared and allowed to reach the right heat before the food goes on, giving the ingredients time to cook over the flames or glowing coals.

Why Is the Braai So Important in South African Culture?

The importance of the braai extends far beyond the cooking method.

Braais are part of birthdays, family occasions, rugby matches, holidays and celebrations across South Africa. Different families and communities bring their own recipes, flavours and customs to the occasion.

That makes the braai particularly fitting for Heritage Day. One table might feature boerewors and steak, while another might include chicken, lamb, fish or dishes influenced by Cape Malay cooking.

The food can reflect different backgrounds while the tradition itself remains widely recognised across the country. That balance between individual heritage and a shared South African experience is one reason the braai has become so closely associated with 24 September.

What Food Is Traditionally Served at a Braai?

There is no single menu that defines a South African braai, although a few favourites appear again and again.

Boerewors

Boerewors is one of the foods most strongly associated with the South African braai.

The name translates roughly as "farmer's sausage" and traditionally refers to a sausage made with beef and a distinctive blend of spices.

Cooked over the coals, it is a staple at braais across the country.

Steak and Grilled Meat

Beef is another familiar sight over the flames.

Sirloin, rump, ribeye and other cuts are commonly cooked over hot coals, where the smoke and heat create the characteristic char of braai cooking.

Lamb, chicken and pork also regularly make an appearance.

At Vivat Bacchus, you can explore South African-inspired dishes, steaks, boerewors, sosaties and meats cooked on the braai on our à la carte menu.

Sosaties

Sosaties are skewers of marinated meat associated with Cape Malay influences in South African cooking.

Recipes vary, but they often combine sweet, savoury and gently spiced flavours, making them particularly well suited to cooking over the flames.

Fish and Seafood

In coastal areas, fish and seafood can be just as much a part of the braai as meat.

Whole fish, prawns and other seafood work particularly well over an open flame and highlight just how varied South African braai cooking can be.

Braai Sides

The meat may get much of the attention, but the sides matter too.

Depending on the gathering, the table might include salads, bread, pap, chakalaka, potatoes or other family favourites.

As with the braai itself, the exact menu often depends on regional and family traditions.

What Wine Goes With a Braai?

South Africa's wine regions offer plenty of bottles that work beautifully with food cooked over fire.

Wine has also been part of the Vivat Bacchus story since we opened in London in 2003, with a particular passion for South African producers and regions.

You can explore more through the Vivat Bacchus wine collection.

Pinotage

Pinotage is South Africa's signature red grape variety and a natural choice alongside smoky, charred meats.

Its generous fruit and savoury character can work particularly well with steak, boerewors and other richer braai dishes.

Chenin Blanc

South Africa is also particularly well known for Chenin Blanc.

Its freshness and versatility make it a great option with chicken, seafood, lighter dishes and the wide mix of flavours that can appear across a braai table.

Cabernet Sauvignon and South African Red Blends

Cabernet Sauvignon and South African red blends can pair beautifully with steaks and richer grilled meats.

Stellenbosch, in particular, is well known for structured red wines that feel right at home alongside food from the braai.

Ultimately, the best bottle is the one that works with what is on the fire and what everyone around the table enjoys drinking.

What Does Heritage Day Mean to South Africans Living Abroad?

Heritage Day can take on an additional meaning when you live away from South Africa.

Food, wine and familiar traditions can become a way of staying connected with home.

For South Africans in cities such as London, enjoying familiar dishes or sharing a bottle from home can bring back familiar flavours and memories while also introducing friends, colleagues and family members to South African culture.

It reflects the broader purpose of Heritage Day too.

Heritage is not only about where you live. It is also about the traditions you carry with you.

Bringing South African Braai Culture to London

At Vivat Bacchus, our South African roots have been part of who we are since we opened in London in 2003.

Across our two London restaurants, you will find South African-inspired cooking, meats cooked on the braai and an extensive selection of South African wines.

You can visit us at:

• Vivat Bacchus Farringdon, 47 Farringdon Street, Holborn, London, EC4A 4LL

• Vivat Bacchus London Bridge, 4 Hays Lane, London Bridge, London, SE1 2HB

Both restaurants serve South African dishes and braai-cooked meats as part of their regular offering. For larger gatherings, a dedicated BBQ braai menu is available for groups of eight or more at both Farringdon and London Bridge.

For celebrations, corporate dinners and larger gatherings, you can also explore our private dining spaces at Farringdon and London Bridge.

Celebrating Heritage Day in London

If you would like to experience some of these South African traditions in London, Heritage Day is an ideal time to explore the food and wine behind the celebration.

We have put together a dedicated guide to celebrating Heritage Day in London.

There you can find information about this year's celebration at Vivat Bacchus London Bridge, including our Heritage Day Braai Feast with Bartinney & Plaisir Wine Estates on Friday, 25 September 2026.

You can also explore our upcoming Vivat Bacchus events for more South African food, wine and tasting experiences throughout the year.

Keep the Heritage Day Tradition Alive in London

Heritage Day tells a story of many cultures, histories and traditions coming together as part of modern South Africa.

The braai has become one of the most recognisable ways to mark the occasion, carrying familiar South African flavours wherever people now call home.

At Vivat Bacchus, we are proud to bring that spirit to London through our South African food, wine and Heritage Day celebrations.

Whether you already know your boerewors from your sosaties or you are discovering the tradition for the first time, 24 September is an invitation to experience a little more of South Africa.

Explore our guide to celebrating Heritage Day in London and join us at Vivat Bacchus.

Heritage Day FAQs

What is Heritage Day in South Africa?

Heritage Day is a South African public holiday celebrated on 24 September each year. It recognises and celebrates the country's diverse cultures, traditions, languages and histories.

When did Heritage Day start?

South Africa celebrated its first national Heritage Day in 1995.

Why is Heritage Day celebrated on 24 September?

The date was previously associated with Shaka Day in KwaZulu-Natal, commemorating King Shaka. It was later adopted as the date for the national Heritage Day holiday.

Is Heritage Day the same as Braai Day?

Not officially. Heritage Day is the national public holiday. National Braai Day, associated with the Braai4Heritage initiative, developed as a popular way for South Africans to celebrate Heritage Day together.

Why do South Africans braai on Heritage Day?

Braaiing is a widely recognised South African tradition that can reflect many different regional, family and cultural food traditions. This made it a natural way to mark Heritage Day and celebrate the country's diversity.

What is a braai?

A braai is the South African tradition of cooking food over an open fire or hot coals. Common braai foods include boerewors, steak, chicken, lamb, sosaties, fish and vegetables.

What food is served at a South African braai?

Popular braai foods include boerewors, steak, chicken, lamb, sosaties, fish and seafood, alongside sides such as salads, bread, pap and chakalaka.

What wine goes with a South African braai?

Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and South African red blends can all work well with a braai. The best pairing depends on what is being cooked.

Where can I experience a South African braai in London?

Vivat Bacchus serves South African-inspired food and meats cooked on the braai at its Farringdon and London Bridge restaurants. A dedicated BBQ braai menu is available for groups of eight or more. You can also explore the Vivat Bacchus à la carte menu or book a table.

Where can I celebrate Heritage Day in London in 2026?

Vivat Bacchus is celebrating Heritage Day with a special Braai Feast at London Bridge on Friday, 25 September 2026. Read our dedicated Heritage Day in London guide for the full event details.