The iconic Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, historically know as Kaapse Klopse returns to the streets of Cape Town on 2 January 2024.
The annual event is the longest existing carnival in the city and is an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage. Thousands of people in glittery uniforms, face paint, hats and parasols march through the city’s roads, playing their signature “ghoema” music on banjos, trumpets and drums. The troupes are spaced out so that each performance happens separately, allowing onlookers to hear each troupe. There is also a structure to each troupe, with non-instrument playing members called “voorlopertjies” leading the way with extravagant dance moves while the band provides the backing soundtrack.
Where To Experience The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
General access to the event is free. The easiest way to watch this spectacular show is to gather in the city centre, where the Minstrel troupes will march across Hanover Street in District Six and Rose Street in Bo-Kaap to perform their signature sounds. The event amasses hundreds of people, some who camp overnight to keep a spot for the best view. Organisers of the event predict the event will draw crowds of between 60 000 and 100 000 people, with roughly 20 000 minstrels participating.
The entertainment starts with an opening ceremony from 1:30pm on the Grand Parade with celebrations continuing until 10pm.
JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security at the City of Cape Town, said The Tweede Nuwe Jaar Parade is an event with huge historical and cultural significance to the people of Cape Town.
“It represents the rich heritage of our beautiful city and means so much to thousands of Capetonians who have grown up with the culture associated with Minstrels and the Tweede Nuwe Jaar Parade. The City of Cape Town’s annual support for the event is to ensure that we can contribute to preserving this history and culture for the next generation. We are looking forward to seeing all the troupes entertain and welcome the thousands of spectators along the streets,” he said.
The choral competitions will again be presented over a five-week period at Athlone Stadium – under the same banner as the Cape Town Street Parade – in January and early February.
Road Closures
Event Details
Cape Town Street Parade
Date: 2 January 2024
Time: 12pm-10pm
Venue: Cape Town Grand Parade & Cape Town CBD
Cost: Entry is free. There will be 4 Grandstands with 196 seats per stand available for people to use for seating. First come first serve basis.
KKKA Klopse Competition
Date: 6,13,20,27 January and 3 February 2024
Time: 12pm-10pm.
Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cross Boulevard, Athlone
Cost: Ticket costs range between R60-R180,00 for adults, R45 for pensioners and R30 for kids between 3 and 10yrs old and free for children under the age of 3 years.
Bookings: Tickets will go live at midnight on Friday 22 December 2023. Visit here: computicket-boxoffice.com/org/kaapse-klopse-karnivaal-aYkP5d
