The performing arts feature regularly on the South African entertainment calendar, and most towns and villages stage a festival or two every year. They include air, agricultural, arts and crafts, music, wine, fashion and garden shows. Every year in July, Grahamstown hosts the Standard Bank National Arts Festival - a showcase for South Africa's top creative talents, and the country's most important cultural event. A substantial indigenous fringe component compliments the main programme, and for some, this is the most interesting element of all. From all over the world, musicians and dancers flock to Roodepoort to participate in the biennial International Eisteddfod of South Africa.
Audiences are in for some stunning performances.
Those in the know rate the Durban Tattoo among the world's 'Big Three' - in the same league as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Royal Tournament. Since it was first staged 18 years ago, the local Tattoo has enjoyed immense popularity. Attend exhibitions Themes range from agriculture, electronics and wildlife to the latest, most romantic bridal apparel, and new developments in home decor, travel and wine. Johannesburg's Rand Easter Show is the best attended consumer show in Africa. Museums The history of the country is reflected in the great number of museums which focus on local history.