When I woke up on January 2, 2010, I decided to grab my camera and see the Cape Minstrel Carnival. I had never been to see the Klopse and decided that in order to call myself a true Capetonian, it was necessary to see them at least once.

So, off I set to the Lakeside train station where I met a charming stranger named Dianne, whom I persuaded to join me on my adventure. She had also never visited this exciting annual even,t so we set off anticipating the carnival.

It was a bright, sunny day. Hot – maybe a bit too hot, but the atmosphere was exciting and everyone was in a good mood. I scoured the area to see where my best vantage point to take some photos would be, and landed where the Klopse were preparing to march.

I had the unique opportunity of mingling with the Klopse themselves, face-to-face, talking, interacting, and just having a ball of a time.

I am pleased to share some of my experiences with you in these photos.

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Images © Koeshke 2010