Geloftedag, known as The Day of the Covenant or The Day of the Vow in English, refers to an important event in the history of the Afrikaner people of South Africa, not only celebrated with pageants and performances annually, but the core set of events that surrounding it (such as the rebellion against British rule, the trials and triumphs of the Voortrekkers and The Great Trek [1], the death of Piet Retief, the covenant itself and the Battle of Blood River) have been the central theme of numerous historical studies as well as works of art and literature, including many texts written and created for stage, media and film.

Geloftedag , the event

Geloftedag, known as The Day of the Covenant or The Day of the Vow in English, refers to an important event in the history of the Afrikaner people of South Africa, originating from a oath taken on 16 December 1838 by the Boer leaders of the Great Trek in Natal to honour God in perpetuity if He granted them vistory in the forthcoming Battle of Blood River. As a consequence of the victory, it has been celebrated as a religious public holiday in South Africa from that day onwards.

Initially called Dingaansdag ("Dingane's Day]), 16 December was made an annual public holiday in 1910, before being renamed Geloftedag (the "Day of the Vow") in 1982.

These celebrations gained a particular political significance in the country after the 1938 symbolic re-enactment of the Great Trek of 1838 and the eventual construction and inauguration of the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria (1949).

In 1994, after the end of Apartheid, the name and the intention was changed, it now being called the Day of Reconciliation, an annual holiday also on 16 December, intended to celebrate the dream of final reconciliation between all people in the country.

Celebratory events

Representations in the performing arts

The particular works are simply listed here, click on the name of the particular text to find details on its origins, publication and/or performances.