The fifth celebration of thisdorpie’s special people, creativity and delicious food - all wrapped in a breathtaking landscape - promises to be a fun-filled and memorable weekend.
From 14 to 16 February locals and guests will rejoice in what this magical place is all about with mini workshops, sporting events, music, shopping opportunities, an extravagant parade and lots to eat and drink! Not to mention the chance to delight in the enticing environment and simply do nothing for a while.
The festival kicks off on Friday evening the 14th with seductive drinks, dinner, dancing, fire and lights at Rosa Restaurant, where you’ll feel the love this Valentine’s day. The newly re-opened hotel, Villa Esperansza, will charm you with a romantic dinner.
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On Saturday the 15th the village opens its doors and hearts with “Kom doen die rondte van Vader Cloete” - a chance to see behind the scenes. It’s a unique opportunity to amble around Rosendal, look into some of the residents’ rustic or avant-garde homes, explore the lush gardens and peek over the shoulders of artists at work in their studios. See how ‘Rosendarlings’ live and work, enjoy their hospitality, savour a delicious homemade snack or acquire something special to remind you of the village’s creative energy. Bring bicycles (or hire them at Studio Ben), walking shoes and a sunhat. Visitors will receive a map, and all the stops will be marked with festive flags. For the less energetic, there’ll be a tractor taxi.
On the sporting front, a Fun Run through the charming town takes place early on Saturday morning, and in the afternoon, the finals of the second annual LoveRosendal Soccer Tournament at the soccer grounds. Come and cheer on the local clubs or, if you’re tennis-mad (like much of Rosendal) be a spectator or participant at the Tennis Club’s tennis tournament.
From 3pm to 4pm, well-loved singer and songwriter Anna Davel will make hearts beat even warmer with English, Afrikaans and French odes to love in theRosendal Theater.
From 4.30pm, the village will prepare for the legendary Valentine’s Parade from Rosa Restaurant to the Waya Waya Tavern. The Mautse Primary School drum majorettes will strut their stuff, gumboot dancers will perform their impressive routines, the Caledon Park Trash Band will hit the high notes, and wire car races will kick up dust. The parade, starting at around 6pm, is spectacular – puppets, jugglers, costumed horse-riders and who knows what else... At the end of the parade participants are traditionally welcomed at the shebeen with ‘Loslappie’ blaring from the speakers! A shisa nyama (the quintessential township braai) and the cheapest Black Label quarts in the Free State also awaits to take care of the worst hunger and thirst.
Saturday evening rounds off with the now renowned party at Rosa, or a karaoke-jol at Villa Esperansza hotel. Sunday 16 sees guests aiming for a Recovery Breakfast, either at Rosa or at Villa Esperansza.
Stay in Fouriesburg
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Just an hour from Rosendal, Oranje Guest Farm offers 4 star accommodation on a tranquil working farm, close to Clarens. Enjoy a sundowner from the Stoep Cafe with views of the mountains all round.