Cape Minstrel Carnival Parade in Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, Western Cape

Sing & Dance to the Tune of Cape Town

Each year the very bright and colourful Cape Minstrels take over the streets of Cape Town for the historic Second New Year Street Parade, also known as the Tweede Nuwe Jaar.

While most New Year Party Goers are mellowing out, or nursing their hangovers from all the festivities, Capetonians are heading out into the sunshine and nightlife all over again to celebrate for a second time! Cape Town residents, and tourists, are treated each year to the Cape Minstrel Carnival, a feast for the sense with foot tapping music, vibrant colours, friendly face and lots of festivities!

The Cape Minstrels, also known as the “Kaapse Klopes”, arrive in their thousands, immaculately dressed in their iconic parade outfits and sing, dance and play an assortment of musical instruments from drums to tambourines through the streets of Cape Town. 2018 will see more than 13 000 Minstrels in over 70 troupes participating in this celebratory festival.

This yearly parade dates back to the mid-nineteenth century making the Carnival is one of Cape Town's oldest surviving events. The slaves in Cape Town were given one day off in the year, the 2nd January and to celebrate, groups would dress up as minstrels, waving parasols, strumming banjos and making merry with music, dance and a parade from the District Six area through to the city centre. Many of the songs still sung today date back to the 1800s. Aside from these classics interpretations of modern pop songs to keep all ages entertained.

Things to see and do

• Street Parade
• Live Music
• Street Vendors
• Parade Awards

Admission

Dates : Tuesday, 2 January 2018

Times : 19h00 to 23h30

Venue : District Six to Grand Parade, Cape Town

Prices  : Free