Cape Town Streets come alive with vibrant colours and sounds for annual Kaapse Klopse parade

Cape Town Streets is set to come alive on Saturday with vibrant colours and sounds as the Kaapse Klopse takes over.

COURTESY: Facebook - Cape Town Street Parade

The annual Cape Town Street Parade or Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade occurs on Saturday, as 2 January coincided with the start of Jumu’ah, when Muslims go to the mosque to pray.

The parade is a cultural event that has its roots in the early days of colonisation and slavery in the Cape. Slaves were brought to Cape Town from various parts of the world, including Africa, India, Indonesia, and the Middle East. Many of these slaves spoke different languages and had little in common except for their shared experience of slavery. However, during New Year’s, they were given the chance to celebrate alongside the colonists.

According to the City of Cape Town, the street parade will see over 20 000 performers from 18 minstrel troupes parade through Cape Town’s CBD.

The parade will start in District Six and the Klopse will make their way to Rose Street in Bo-Kaap. Spectators can expect dazzling costumes, energetic ghoema music, and a jubilant atmosphere.

‘’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. As the City of Cape Town, we are proud to collaborate with the Cape Malay Choir Board and 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. The City has worked diligently with the organisations and other roleplayers to put measures in place to ensure roads are clear for the troupes, and for the spectators to enjoy the festivities in a safe and family-friendly environment,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. 

The parade takes place between 11am and 10p.m  The season goes on into February, with the competitions taking place very Saturday until 1 February 2025. During these competitions troupes compete in various categories. Categories include Senior Drum Major, Juvenile Drum Major, Best Dressed Troupe, Klopse Jol, and Grand March Pass.

 

Done by: Mitchum George