PATRIA JULY: MORE THAN JUST TRADITION

Abygail Smit 

@Abysmit06

 

When NWU students think about July, only one thing comes to mind: Patria July! The festival that has been happening on campus for the past 11 years is just around the corner and students could not be more excited.

 

What initially started as a fundraising event on the lawn of NWU men’s residence, Patria, is now one of the biggest festivals in the country and a highlight on each student’s calendar. With thrilling events like horse racing, Miss Patria July, and performances by some of South Africa’s biggest artists, it’s impossible not to feel excited when July rolls around.

 

The horse race is the oldest tradition of Patria July. Based on South Africa’s Durban July, the first-years of Patria play the role of a jockey and a horse – the “jockey” sits on the “horse’s” back and the first-years race around a track to determine which residence corridor wins. It is a great start to the festival and always builds up spirit between the contestants and the people watching. Renico du Plessis, a first-year from Patria, says the build-up to the festival is an amazing vibe that just gets better. Although they aren’t sure what exactly to expect, the first years are very excited and will enjoy every bit of it.

 

Du Plessis says the horse race gets very competitive because every corridor wants to prove they are the best and, even though it can get quite rough, each corridor gives 110% – and it is all done in great spirit for Patria. People also attend the festival to watch and support the Miss Patria July pageant.

 

Unlike other pageants, Miss Patria July fully represents her residence, and her residence fully supports her. Larissa Klopper, an NWU student and Miss Patria July finalist, is excited to compete in the annual pageant since her sister also competed in 2022. “I am really looking forward to it. I love this kind of thing, but I think there’s a bit of nerves that go with it because we will be in front of more than a thousand people.” she said. Larissa shared a piece of advice to the future contestants participating next year: “Enjoy each moment truly and give everything you can; you can only participate once so make the best of it.”

 

This year, Patria July is being organized by house committee members Rhynardt Henning with the portfolios Sport, Patria July and Golf Day, and CJ Oberholzer with portfolios Recruitment, MAC, Patria July and Archives.

 

When asked about the importance of this festival, HC member Henning explained that Patria July is an important highlight on the NWU students’ calendar. The event’s focus, though, is to raise funds for the Patria residence. Last year was the tenth anniversary of Patria July, which could be difficult to top in 2025, but Henning is confident in their abilities to put on a good show. “2024 was an amazing year for Patria July because it was our tenth anniversary, so to top last year is a challenge but we believe we have the right artists, sponsorships and committee members to make that happen. There is a lot of action that happen[s] behind the scenes to make such a big day possible, so people must be willing to work hard as well as enjoy every moment.”

 

Lastly, as said by the Patria July HC member, people should definitely come and enjoy the famous horse race as well as Miss Patria July. Famous artists like Henru en Schwabie and Ou Tekkies will be performing during the day at the beer tent; and at night Rooksein, Zaan Sonnekus, Robbie Wessels, Early B and Riaan Benade will all entertain. “It is going to be an unbelievable day, and we are excited to see everyone there enjoying it with us.” Truer words have not been spoken. We are all excited for Patria July 2025.

 

Will Linley performing at Patria July 2024 as Patria celebrated their 10th anniversary (Source: GoToGuy)

 

Edited by Kyle Bauermeister