The Berlin November – Buffalo City’s Premier Horse Racing & Lifestyle Event

This weekend see’s the 6th annual Berlin November Traditional Horse Racing Festival, one of the fastest growing sport and lifestyle events, taking place in Buffalo City.

Just 40km outside of East London in Berlin, this event has grown from 5000 visitors in its first year, to a very respectable 35 000 just 5 years later, and this year it is expected to be even bigger and better.  With support from Buffalo City, this event is now a major tourist attraction and is the only Traditional Horse Racing event of its kind in the Eastern Cape.

As far as horse races go, it has it all… just with an Eastern Cape twist – and that is where the Berlin November shines! The horses come from rural communities throughout the Eastern Cape, and range from thoroughbreds to Xhosa horses and half breeds, many of which have never seen the inside of a stable.  Given that traditional horse racing has been a popular sport in South Africa for over 200 years, these horses are the pride of the communities from whence they come.  Villagers from all over the rural Eastern Cape decent on Berlin to proudly watch and cheer on their horses in the races.

To ensure the animals are well treated and in good health, the race organisers also have government veterinarians and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on hand to inspect each animal, making sure it has a clean bill of health before being allowed to enter the race.

The jockeys are just as varied as the horses themselves.  Some are qualified and training jockeys but most are local villagers who ride their horses at breathtaking speed, some even as young as thirteen.  Their race gear is as varied as they are.  From full jockey silks, jodhpurs, riding hat & boots to the more traditional outfits being barefoot, and in whatever clothing they love best.  From silks to football jerseys and everything in-between, one thing is for sure, it is always colourful.

And now purse has grown from R50 000 in its inception year, to R650 000 in 2019, and the fun and entertainment has grown just as exponentially as the winnings.

Modern Traditional Fashion

This exciting horse racing event has everything a great event needs, from horse racing, fashion shows, beauty contests and VIP facilities to top notch entertainment and of course… what every horse race is known for … the high fashion!  Boasting both traditional and contemporary fashion, the Berlin November offers some of the most colourful and classic fashion, and it is truly a feast for the eyes, and the camera.

And when the horses have run their races, the money has been won (and lost), it is time for the entertainment to begin – and entertainment there certainly is.  From Jazz to House and everything in-between, this year’s entertainment line up includes no less than 38 different entertainers including the likes of Bongo Maffin, Berita and the Road Safety Activation Lineup of DJ’s & Native Bands.

The tickets for this fantastic event range from R170 Summer Stage, to R600 for the VIP Garden Court, to R1700 for the prime lounge.  If you have not got your ticket yet, don’t wait… they are galloping out the door!

Article:  Sandy Loppnow
Photographs:  Berlin November Facebook Page