Limpopo's Marula Festival kicks off

The three-day day festival is one of the biggest events on the local calendar.

"We are pleased to learn that almost all the accommodation facilities in Phalaborwa are fully booked and have been inundated with enquiries from tourists across the province and beyond who want to participate in this important show," said Masoga Lehlogonolo, spokesperson for Limpopo's department of economic development, environment and tourism on Thursday.

One of the main attractions of the festival will be marula beer tasting.

The beer is supplied by eight local brewers from Phalaborwa who have been asked to provide 8,000 litres of beer for the festival.

The event will also include exhibitions of marula by-products such as skin ointments, massage oils, butter, jam, chutney, fruit pulp, soap and candles.

The manufacturers come from Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

“The aim of the festival is to increase market access and raise awareness on available marula products," said the spokesperson.

The festival will be held at the Impala Park rugby stadium in Phalaborwa.

An added feature will be a tourism career exhibition aimed at raising awareness amongst the youth of career opportunities in the tourism industry.

Golf enthusiasts will also tee-off at the popular Hans Merensky Golf Estate on Saturday for the annual Marula Golf Challenge, while runners will participate in a half marathon the same day.

Live music at the festival will be provided by Ringo Madlingozi, Colbert Mukwevho, Snotkop, DJ Oskido, DJ Mahoota as well as Capricorn FM's Ashifhashava.

The Bulletjies (little Blue Bulls) youth rugby tournament will also take place at Impala Park on Saturday.

The entrance fee will be R30 per day for adults and R20 for children younger than 18.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews