Cape Town: The city streets came alive on Monday, Jan 05, 2026 as the annual Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebration reaffirmed its status as one of the most iconic and beloved cultural events of Africa. The event attracted around 25,000 spectators to the DHL Stadium and many tens of thousands more to the street parade were welcomed.
Reportedly, the city got filled with the unmistakable rhythm of Ghoema from Somerset Road in Green Point to the iconic DHL Stadium. The visitors got to see the vibrant satin costumes and the infectious energy of the Kaapse Klopse troupes.
Painted faces, colourful umbrellas and stunning coordinated choreography completely transformed the energy of the route into a moving spectacle of heritage and pride.
Best Start of 2026
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis enjoyed the event himself and said that it was the best start to 2026 as tens of thousands of Capetonians gathered for one of the largest and most colourful cultural festivals of Africa.
He said that this is a wonderful and unique event that shows the heritage of Cape Town every year. Lewis stated that they love supporting the Klopse and watching thousands of them marching, singing, dancing and celebrating together.
Lewis further expressed that they are proud to support the efforts of the KKKA to take Tweede Nuwe Jaar to new heights. Also, it was broadcasted live on TV for the first time ever.
Klopse events receive the largest portion of the event support budget by the City of Cape Town. He said that this year, they again saw what a show-stopping and unifying moment of unique heritage celebration can deliver.
Spectacular Overall Experience
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that this year marks a significant step forward in the logistical and organisational execution of the event.
Smith congratulated KKKA for setting a new standard about what the event can be. They also put efforts to elevate the overall experience for spectators. This progress positions the event strongly for the future, where they can increase the corporate sponsorship and job opportunities for minstrel groups in the years ahead.
Opening of 2026 KKKA
The parade marked the official opening of the 2026 Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) competition season. All the troupes participated by taking part in the road march and opening competitive categories.
Considering this, Director at the KKKA – Muneeb Gambeno said that it is always incredibly special to see Cape Town come together in celebration of this tradition.
Display of Cultural Heritage with Ghoema Rhythms
The artistic troupes which participated reflected generations of cultural heritage through pride, discipline and joy that continues to thrive.
Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade and the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association competitions would not be possible without the continued support of the City of Cape Town, event partners, stakeholders, suppliers, troupe captains, administrators and most importantly, the people of Cape Town.
Once again, the parade this year demonstrated the resilience, creativity and unity of the community by ensuring that the spirit of ghoema remains alive for future generations.
Festivities Continue with more events
The Street Parade marked a powerful start to the season, the excitement will continue till this Saturday, Jan 10, 2026, as troupes compete in the next round of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association competitions at Athlone Stadium.
Tickets for the events will be available from Computicket from Thursday morning.
Gates for the stadium will open at 10:00 a.m. with the event commencing at 11:30 a.m. The KKKA’s 2026 competition season will continue throughout the January at Athlone Stadium. The troupes will be split into two sections, and the finals will be scheduled to be conducted in February 2026.