ALL ABOUT THE CAPE TOWN MILITARY TATTOO

Head to the Castle of Good Hope for a spectacular military musical display at the 10th anniversary of the Cape Town Military Tattoo.

The military showcase of the year
The Cape Town Military Tattoo is run by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) at the Castle of Good Hope. The performers include SANDF military bands, as well as other civilian bands, drill/cadet teams, and dancers. The whole family will enjoy the sensational display of military musical performances, military re-enactment, international bands, and performers. The massed pipes and drums never fail to impress along with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, performed with live gunfire.

Why is it called a Tattoo?
You’re drinking at a bar, and it’s getting late. Someone rings a bell. You know it means that it’s the last round and that you had better head home. The Dutch phrase for this is ‘doe den tap toe’ or ‘tap toe’, which translates to ‘close the beer tap.’

The British Army, which was stationed in Flanders during the War of Austrian Succession, appreciated this phrase and adopted it as their own. Every evening, the musicians stationed with their regiment would play a signal at ‘tap toe’ time when the soldiers would have to return to their lodgings.

In the 18th century, when proper military barracks were established, there was no longer a need to notify tavern keepers to send the troops home at a respectable hour. The term ‘tattoo’ became used to sound the last call of duty of the day. It also became known as a form of ceremonial entertainment to be performed by military musicians.

The Castle of Good Hope
The star-shaped fort built by the Dutch in the 17th century is the seat of the SANDF in the Western Cape and is the ideal place for them to showcase their talents once a year.

Check out our event post for more details, and enjoy this entertaining event.

OF NOTE
When Wednesday 11 November 2015 at 7:45 pm (until Saturday 14 November 10:45 pm)
Where Castle of Good Hope, corner Darling and Buitenkant Streets, CBD
Cost R120 – R250 at Computicket
Contact +27 21 787 1249, [email protected], +27 21 787 1162, [email protected]

Photography courtesy