The Cape Town Kaapse Klopse Minstrel Carnival
Capture one of the most exciting events of the year in Cape Town as the streets come alive by the magic of the Minstrels in the Kaapse Klopse Carnival.
The Cape Minstrel Carnival is Cape Town’s oldest street party and it traces back to the old slave trade traditions where the Cape slaves were given one day off every year and this is still celebrated by the most amazingly vibrant, dazzleing & competitive street carnival on January 2nd. The performers from local communities parade through the city centre dressed as minstrels and parade their way colourfully and full of vigour to music from Zonnebloem, which is formerly District Six, through to the city centre.
The festival has been celebrated in Cape Town since the 19th century.
Expect up to 13,000 minstrels split into ‘klopse’, “troupes” in English and “clubs” in Cape Dutch, and parade through the streets playing musical instruments and dancing in a frenzy of excitement. The members of each minstrel are mostly “coloured’ Afrikaans-speakers who were brought up in a working class environment.
The festival begins at 12 noon on New Year’s Day and continues on into the month of January.
The minstrels parade from Darling Street in Cape Town’s city centre, all the way through to Cape Town’s metropolitan Green Point. The event’s colourful street parades, vibrant entertainment and traditional food and drinks all celebrate the spirit of equality and brotherhood.
Tips for attending the Kaapse Klopse Carnival
- Get there early and find a good spot to watch from. It can be very hot in Cape Town in January so don’t forget to take lots of water & sunscreen.
- The Kaapse Klopse Minstrels Carnival can get very crowded so it may not be ideal for small children.
- Do leave your valuables at home and look after your camera but enjoy taking magical photos and absorb the vibrant atmosphere of being in the midst of a rare insight into the historic cultural extravaganza of Kaapse Klopse Cape Minstrel Carnival
The Minstrel Carnival Competition and trophy giving
If you wish to experience the actual competition and awarding of trophies, this too is an experience you will never forget. This takes place on the 2nd January after the parade, the 3rd January and every Saturday throughout January until the finals start on the 4th February through to the 11th February at Athlone Stadium.