Halloween is observed internationally on 31 October. The festivities often include costumes, candy and scary decorations.
In Stellenbosch, these festivities are not only limited to 31 October. MatieMedia spoke to establishments and event organisers around town who will be hosting Halloween events throughout the month of October.
“I lived in the [United States] for a couple of years and always loved the fun Halloween parties that they do so well in the States,” said Anri Botha, co-owner of Dirtopia Trail Centre. Dirtopia will be hosting a Halloween Fun Run at Muratie Wine Estate on 29 November. This event is one of a number of events which will be taking place in October in celebration of Halloween in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Nakishka Skriker
A creepy collaboration
Aandklas, Die Mystic Boer and Dorp Bar will host Halloween events on 21 October, according to Tim Moolman, co-owner of Aandklas and Dorp.
The owners of these establishments decided to host their events on the same evening in order to create a “vibe” around town where everyone celebrates and dresses up on the same night, said Moolman.
The events will be hosted before Halloween in consideration of the Stellenbosch University exam period beginning towards the end of the month, said Stephen Lubbe, co-owner of Aandklas and Dorp.
Aandklas has celebrated Halloween for 15 years, according to Lubbe.
The entire weekend will be curated around Halloween at Aandklas, Moolman stated. On 21 October, the bar will be hosting its “Monster’s Ball”. The following day, they will host a “Grave Rave” event, which will cater to fans of electronic music, he stated.
Prizes for the best costumes will be up for grabs at both establishments, said Lubbe.
Pictured above is Stellenbosch University student Mignon Bakker at Aandklas. Halloween will be celebrated at a number of venues in Stellenbosch this year, including bars such as Aandklas and Die Mystic Boer, which have celebrated Halloween for over a decade, according to Tim Moolman, Aandklas co-owner, and Monique Geldenhuys, manager at Die Mystic Boer. PHOTO: Nakishka Skriker
Flick or treat
Die Mystic Boer has celebrated Halloween with a Nightmare Before Christmas party for the past 19 years, according to Monique Geldenhuys, manager at Die Mystic Boer.
Die Mystic Boer will cater to those looking for a “strange” and “creative” Halloween, said Geldenhuys. The bar will also be awarding prizes for the best costumes, she added.
Freaky family fun
Meanwhile, a Halloween Forest Night Run will take place at Muratie Wine Estate on 29 October. This is according to Arina Botha, co-owner of Dirtopia Trail Centre, which will be hosting the event.
The event has been running since 2013, said Botha, adding that she was inspired by the Halloween parties she saw while living in the United States for a few years.
On the event’s Facebook page, runners are warned to beware of “unseen Halloween visitors” in the forest.
“My 15-year-old daughter and her friends plan their outfits and hide in the bushes to scare runners as they pass,” Botha explained.
Pictured above are Stellenbosch locals Rebecca Cilliers and Rochelle Coetser getting into the Halloween spirit at the Poplar student “digs” in Stellenbosch. Halloween is growing more and more popular locally, and more people are becoming interested in the American holiday, according to DJ Lorenzo Hendricks, who is organising a Halloween karaoke party at Cloetesville Primary School on 29 October. PHOTO: Nakishka Skriker
Ghastly sounds
The Daisy Jones Bar will be hosting a “Halloweird” music event on 29 October.
The event will have a “slightly more fun and creative twist on traditional Halloween”, said Bam Bam Brown, who manages the project and will be performing at the event.
A Halloween karaoke party will also be hosted at Cloetesville Primary School on 29 October. This is according to DJ Lorenzo Hendricks, the organiser of the event.
The venue was chosen to give people in the Cloetesville and Tenantville neighbourhoods “something to do”, thereby making a difference in the community, he explained.