Cape Town, South Africa: The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival is all set to make a comeback on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. The iconic carnival is the city’s biggest event that will be observing two major activities: the Cape Town Street Parade and the KKKA Klopse Competition.
Every year, the carnival entertainment starts with an opening ceremony from 1:30 p.m. on the Grand Parade, with celebrations that continue until 10:00 p.m.
Cape Town Street Parade
The carnival will begin with the foremost activity ‘Cape Town Street Parade’, on January 2, 2024. The parade will commence at 12 o’clock noon and conclude at 10:00 p.m.
The selected venues for the street parade are Cape Town Grand Parade and Cape Town CBD. For seating, four grandstands with 196 people per stand will be available. The seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The entry will be entirely free of charge.
In the parade, the Minstrel troupes will march across Hanover Street in District Six and Rose Street in Bo-Kaap to perform their signature sounds.
KKKA Klopse Competition
KKKA Klopse Competition
The most-awaited ‘KKKA Klopse Competition’ will be conducted on January 6, 13, 20, 27, and February 3, 2024. The timings for the competition will be 12 o’clock, noon, to 10:00 p.m.
The competition will be conducted at Athlone Stadium, Cross Boulevard, Athlone. The tickets for the contest range from R60 to R180,00 for adults; for pensioners, the selected price is R45; and for kids between the ages of 3 years to 10 years old, the price is R30.
For children under the age of 3, the tickets are available completely free of cost. Interested visitors can book tickets on the available link.
The member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – JP Smith said, “The Tweede Nuwe Jaar Parade is an event with huge historical and cultural significance to the people of Cape Town.”
He said that the carnival represents the rich heritage of the beautiful city and holds great significance to the citizens of Cape Town. Thousands of Capetonians have grown up with the culture, which is associated with Minstrels and the Tweede Nuwe Jaar Parade.
JP Smith mentioned that the City of Cape Town supports the event to ensure that they can contribute to preserving history and culture for the budding generation.
“We are looking forward to seeing all the troupes entertain and welcome the thousands of spectators along the streets” – JP Smith
About Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
It is a historical carnival popularly known as ‘Kaapse Klopse’. It is the longest carnival that is celebrated every year in Cape Town. It is an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage.
Thousands of people march through the city roads wearing glittery uniforms, face paint, hats and parasols. Participants play their signature ‘Ghoema’ music on banjos, trumpets and drums.
The troupes are arranged separately so that the performances don’t clash. There is a set structure to each troupe that consists of a non-instrument playing member known as ‘Voorlopertjies’, who lead the way with extravagant dance moves while the band beats the soundtrack at the back.