ONE of Paarl‘s best kept, and most beautiful, secrets is situated on the eastern bank of the Berg river. It’s an Arboretum, and, as the name suggests, it is all about trees. But not just African trees. The 31 ha of land which runs for 2.8 km along the Berg River, boasts 2 600 trees and shrubs, in excess of some 650 different species. These are divided into six ‘continents’ and the unique feature is that trees and shrubs are grouped according to continents of origin. And it is spring and flowers abound.
This is the setting for this weekend’s inaugural Paarl One World Festival of Healing- a new annual event which will run on Saturday and Sunday. Each of the 6 ‘continents represented in the Arboretum will feature the food and music of that continent.
So in Africa you’ll find braais, pap and wors, and samoosas. In Asia think curries and chop suey. Burgers and hot dogs will be available in America, and stews and Italian coffee in Europe.
The music will be an eclectic mix from all over the world, from boere music and goema, to marimba, reggae and salsa to string quartets, gospel and blues.
These artists will play at various times on four smaller stages plus you’ll find them, and some buskers, wondering around the Arboretum.
The main stage will feature The Frank Petersen School Band, Tony Cedras and Errol Dyers, Alistair Izobell and Karin Kortje and Sons of Selassie on Saturday, and VJR, Zami Mdingi and Kurt Darren on Sunday. A kids programme includes pony rides, a petting zoo, a scavenger hunt, painting of peace flags, building a labyrinth and open mic sessions.
The healing aspect will encompass everything from yoga and tai chi to Zumba and the public is encouraged to participate. So bring your yoga mats.
The Institute for the Healing of Memories are hosting an international conference The Healing Journeys: Responding to the World Map of Pain in Paarl this week and the staff will be at the One World Festival to explain the benefits of their workshops. ’Since the 1990s, we have facilitated workshops that enable people from different ethnic groups, races and religions to reach a better understanding of themselves and each other,” says Father Michael Lapsley.
‘Over the years, we have worked with people from a rich diversity of backgrounds, as well as with refugees, offenders, HIV/ AIDS sufferers, and victims of domestic violence. The effectiveness of the Healing of Memories workshop has been widely documented and the methodology has been used in countries as far afield as the USA, East Timor, Rwanda and Northern Ireland.
The Executive Mayor of The Drakenstein Municipality, Conrad Poole had this to say. ‘On behalf of Drakenstein Municipality and its residents we look forward to welcoming all the festival goers. We hope you enjoy our hidden gem, the Arboretum. And may you experience this festival as an inclusive and diverse experience representing the excellence of Drakenstein.’
Doors open at 8.30am, the music starts at 9am and the festival closes at 6pm. This is a Camissa Solutions event in association with the Drakenstein Municipality and the Institute for the Healing of Memories
l Book: Computicket. Children under 12 free. Info: Facebook: One World - Festival of Healing - Paarl