CAPE TOWN STREET PARADE RHYTHMIC SYMPHONY FOR NEW YEAR
The Cape Town CBD will be alive with a rhythmic symphony of banjos, guitars and ghoema drums to usher in a New Year.
Around 20,000 performers from 18 minstrel troupes will take to the Mother City’s streets on 4 January 2025 to celebrate and honour longstanding traditions that form part of the fabric of this great city.
The Cape Town Street Parade or Tweede Nuwe Jaar dates back to the 19th century when the Cape slaves were given a day on 2 January to celebrate the New Year on their terms.
In their dazzling colourful costumes, the performers will also put on a show in front of the historic City Hall and along Darling Street where thousands of spectators will gather.
HISTORIC ROUTE
Starting at District Six at noon, the parade will travel through the historic city centre, drawing crowds.
The processions will conclude in Rose Street at the historic Bo-Kaap.
The grand spectacle of colour and vibrant heritage is a highlight of Cape Town’s cultural calendar, attracting between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators along the city centre.
‘This is a cornerstone of Cape Town culture, where performers, families, and communities come together for a jol to remember,’ says Muneeb Gambeno, Director of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA).
The KKKA organises the event annually, working with the City of Cape Town and other partners.
“This is always a special time for thousands of our residents who get the opportunity to celebrate and honour longstanding traditions that form part of the fabric of this great city,” says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith.
“As the City of Cape Town, we are proud to collaborate with the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association by providing financial and logistical support to ensure we continue to honour these traditions for many more years to come.”
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The programme for the day kicks off at 11:00 with a line-up of local entertainers led by comedian Ashley Pienaar, who will be on MC duty.
Entry for the parade is free however a limited amount (700) of seated grandstand tickets on the Purple Mile are available via Computicket
The Cape Town Street Parade forms part of the KKKA minstrel season which kicks off at the Athlone Stadium on New Year’s Day.
Athlone Stadium will host the Kaapse Klopse Competitions which runs every Saturday until 1 February 2025.
Troupes will compete in categories such as Senior Drum Major, Juvenile Drum Major, Best Dressed Troupe, Klopse Jol and Grand March Pass – delivering thrilling performances each week.
Alcohol, drugs, glass containers, and weapons are not allowed at any of the events.
