The iconic Cape Town Minstrel Carnival returns to the Mother City on 4 January 2025.
Now known as the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade, this annual event is the longest existing carnival in the city and is an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage. The event was historically known as Kaapse Klopse.
What To Expect at the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
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.
Among this year’s lineup includes West London All-Stars, Phantoms Community Development, Playaz Inc, Young TV Stars Community Development, Posh Vibrant Youth Development, Wesbank Youth Entertainers, Juvie Boy Entertainers, Philadelphians Sporting Club and Youth Development, Cape Town Hawkers, Ashwin Willemse Orient Community Development, Original District Six Hanover Minstrels, Fabulous Woodstock Starlites, Mannenberg Superstars, Mitchells Plain Young Tycoons Academy, and The Original Famous Wild Apaches.
Experience The Magic
The parade is set to attract a crowd of 80,000 to 100,000 spectators, eager to experience over 18 minstrel troupes and 20,000 performers.
The parade will begin on Hanover Street in District Six, with teams being dropped off near Russell Street. The official procession will start at Sir Lowry Road and Hanover Street. After the Thuhr prayer (midday), the first troupe will kick off the festivities at 1:15 pm.
All 20 troupes will march along the full route, starting on Darling Street, passing through the Hollywoodbets Purple Mile, and continuing into Adderley Street. The parade will then make its way up Wale Street, past the Company Gardens, and cross Buitengracht Street before entering the historic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood (Schotsche Kloof). The route will end on Rose Street.
Road Closures
Several roads will be closed from 6am on 4 January to 12am on 5 January 2025.
Affected streets include:
● Buitenkant, Lower Plein, Adderley, Castle, Hout, Shortmarket, Church, Wale, Longmarket, and Burg Streets
● Loop, Bree, Van Der Meulen, Rose, Heiliger Lane/Street, and Chiapinni Street
Entry
The HollywoodBets Cape Town Street Parade is free for the public. However, you can book tickets for the Hollywoodbets Purple Mile grandstand to get some of the best views of the parade. Tickets can be purchased via Computicket. Book here.
Prohibited Items
For a safe and enjoyable experience, the following items are prohibited: glass containers, weapons, alcohol, and drugs. According to the organisers, no vulgar language, violence, political statements, and any provocative or illicit behaviour will be tolerated.
You are welcome to bring blankets, cooler boxes, and foldable chairs for comfort.
Stadium Competitions
The highly anticipated Hollywoodbets and KKKA Annual Kaapse Klopse competitions will kick off at Athlone Stadium on Wednesday, 1 January 2025, with weekly competitions drawing crowds of 20,000 every Saturday until 1 February 2025. The troupes will compete across various categories, including the grand march-past, junior and senior drum major, best-dressed troupe, and Klopse. Get your tickets here.
Event Details
Date: 4 January 2025
Time: 11am-10pm
Venue: Cape Town Grand Parade & Cape Town CBD
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