TWEEDE NUWE JAAR STREET PARADE

Lights, glitter, action! The Cape Minstrel Second New Year street parade will see a colourful explosion of music and performers parading through the CBD.

The Cape Minstrels are also known as the Kaapse Klopse. Thousands of minstrels, spanning multiple colourful troupes, will delight you with their vibrant music. They begin practising their musical performances months in advance to prepare for the big day.

One of the biggest events in Cape Town, the minstrels dress up in bright outfits, don their parasols, grab their instruments and perform their repertoire in a parade to celebrate Second New Year or Tweede Nuwe Jaar.

Although the 2015 show was postponed, in 2016, it’s set to take place on 2 January as it usually does. Performers will get the crowds going from around 10 am until the official parade begins at 12 noon, after which, the entertainment will continue until late.

The festivities kick off in the historic District Six’s Keizergraght Street and the Grand Parade. The celebrations head down Darling Street, then follow Adderley through to Wale Street and all the way up to the Bo-Kaap.

This annual event in Cape Town dates back to the mid-nineteenth century when masters granted their slaves only one day off each year: 2 January. It is a reflection of Cape Town’s history and a celebration of how far we have come.

Many people camp out and sleep in the area the night before to secure a good spot. If you arrive on the day, expect to see families comfortably camped out on the sidewalks making a day of it.

There is always a high presence of law enforcement officials at the parade to make sure everything runs smoothly. The Grand Parade is usually filled with stalls where you can get some typical South African street food.

There will be road closures in the area on the day of the event and bus services will be affected, so keep that in mind when making your way to the parade. Keep an eye on the MyCiti festive changes page or follow them on Facebook or Twitter for all the details. Stay in the know by checking up with the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) and City of Cape Town website and social media sites for the latest updates.

Have a look at our 2016 event post for more details.

OF NOTE
When Saturday 2 January 2016 at 12 noon (festivities will start earlier at around 10)
Where Keizersgracht, Darling, Adderley, and Wale Streets and up to the Bo-Kaap
Cost Free
Contact +27 21 761 5239, [email protected]

Photography courtesy Minstrel Magic