The colourful Kaapse Klopse are set to return to the streets of Cape Town for the annual ‘Tweede Nuwe Jaar’ celebrations.

• The colourful Kaapse Klopse are set to return to the streets of Cape Town for the annual “Tweede Nuwe Jaar” celebrations. 
• The Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade expects to yet again draw crowds of between 60 000 and 100 000, with nearly 20 000 minstrels participating.
• The celebration coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association.

The iconic Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, historically known as Kaapse Klopse, returns to the streets of Cape Town on 2 January 2024.

The annual event is the longest-running 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 streets, playing their signature goema music on banjos, trumpets and drums.

The troupes are spaced out so that each performance happens separately, allowing onlookers to hear and watch each one.

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.

The troupes will march across Hanover Street in District Six and Rose Street in Bo-Kaap to perform their signature sounds.

The event attracts hundreds of people, some of whom camp overnight to keep a spot for the best view. 

It’s a double celebration for the minstrel fraternity, as the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade 2024 event coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA). 

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The Cape Town Street Parade expects to yet again draw crowds of between 60 000 and 100 000, with between 15 000 and 20 000 minstrels participating.

KKKA director Muneeb Gambeno said spectators can expect another exciting, fun-filled day of colour and the goema beats.

“This year, the troupes will parade straight down Darling Street (no golden circle), and the public can access the new Hollywoodbets Purple Mile, opposite the City Hall. Four new grandstands will be erected to host 180 people on each platform. Spectators can gain access to the prime viewing area on a first come, first served basis,” he said. 

The city centre’s roads between Rose Street in Bo-Kaap and Hanover Street in District Six will host performances by minstrel troupes from all over Cape Town, continuing the long-standing custom and heritage of Tweede Nuwe Jaar, which has been observed for more than 115 years.

The City has advised motorists that road closures will be in place from 18:00 on Sunday, 31 December until the early hours of New Year’s Day. 

The City’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, said the event had huge historical and cultural significance.

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