Annual gay events in Cape Town

 

The Mother City Queer Project. Photo courtesy up4athing

There are several gay events throughout the year in Cape Town, which draw thousands of people. Some of them are for fun, and others are meant to bring about understanding and tolerance.

Some of the most iconic events include:

Cape Town Pride

The Cape Town Pride Festival, which spans 10 days. While there is lots of fun over the period, it  encompasses more than just celebrating diversity. The festival also creates awareness on issues which affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people, both locally and throughout the African continent.The festival is normally held around February and March, and the 2013 festival starts on February 22 and ends on March 2. There are a range of activities and festivities, including seminars, drag shows, picnics and pageants. The festival culminates in a float parade through the city centre and ends in Green Point, where a big party is traditionally held.

 

Mother City Queer Project

The Mother City Queer Project costume party is one of the highlights of the annual social calendar. More than 10 000 people, both gay and straight, dress according to a theme and party the night away. Normally held in mid-December, the themed party is a grand event, with several dancefloors and entertainment on offer.

The first MCQP party was held in 1994 to celebrate South Africa's new democracy and constitution - which allows freedom of choice and the protection of human rights. Since then the number of people attending the annual gathering has grown substantially. In 2011 the MCQP was voted by Queerlife readers as South Africa's best LGBTI Event/Party in 2011.

The Out in Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

The Out in Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has been running since 1994. The main aim of the festival is to address the lack of visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals (LGBTIs) in South African social and cultural life, after decades of apartheid repression. Films from around the world, as well as locally produced ones, are shown. The movies are about exploring identity, lifestyles and concerns in the gay community

 

Featured Attraction

V&A Waterfront

<p> V&A Waterfront</p>

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

<p>Table Mountain Aerial Cableway</p>

City Sightseeing Bus Tours

<p> City Sightseeing Bus Tours</p>

Cape Point

<p> Cape Point</p>
 
 

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