Why Two Festivals? The Story Behind Kalfiefees and the Whale Festival in Hermanus

Kalfiefees: Celebrating Calving Season with Culture & Community

• Timing & Name: Kalfiefees—literally “calf festival”—takes place in early August, coinciding with the arrival of southern right whale mothers and calves in Walker Bay, and aligns with Women’s Day festivities.
• Focus: An Afrikaans-led arts and culture festival showcasing theatre, music, dance, literature, children’s productions, and food markets across Hermanus, Onrus, and Sandbaai.
• Community Impact: Founded around 2000, it supports local schools, theatre development (e.g., The Cave Theatre), and charitable projects in underserved communities.

Hermanus Whale Festival: A Global Eco-Marine Celebration

• Timing & Purpose: Held in late September, at peak whale activity, celebrating the return of southern right whales through a dedicated eco-marine lens.
• Highlights: South Africa’s only “Eco-Marine Festival,” blending environmental education with live music, parades, treasure hunts, strongman shows, fun runs, and marine-themed activities across the Old Harbour and Eco-Marine Village.
• Scale & Reach: 75,000–130,000 visitors over three days, attracting an international crowd drawn to nature, conservation, and cultural experiences.

How They Complement Each Other

• Kalfiefees captures the beginning of whale season with a warm cultural welcome and local engagement.
• Whale Festival spotlights conservation and global eco-tourism during peak sighting months.

In Summary

Hermanus is uniquely blessed with whales and culture—and these festivals reflect both:

• Kalfiefees celebrates the first whale calves with a rich tapestry of arts, theatre, and community spirit.
• The Whale Festival builds on that energy with a global celebration focused on conservation, education, and marine spectacle.

Together, they offer visitors and locals two distinct yet interconnected experiences—rooted in nature, enriched through creativity, and united by coastal community pride.