Excitement filled the streets of Green Point as the Cape Town Carnival celebrated its 15th edition this past weekend, enchanting both locals and tourists.
With the powerful roar of Harley Davidson motorcycles announcing the start of the parade, the Mother City was treated to an exhilarating showcase of creativity and culture, highlighting the best of its diverse community, Cape {town} Etc reports.
As thousands lined the Fan Walk, they were mesmerized by a dazzling array of performances from various participants, including City of Cape Town firefighters, DHL Stormers rugby players, accomplished local artists, and enthusiastic community groups from across the region.
This year’s celebration embraced the theme WowZA!, designed to reflect the bold and vibrant spirit that defines Cape Town and South Africa.
‘We are honored to offer a stage for Cape Town’s community artists, enabling them to share their talents with the thousands of Carnival-goers who breathe life into this event,’ remarked Jay Douwes, CEO of the Cape Town Carnival.
The carnival is a vibrant celebration of musicians, performers, and artisans who have tirelessly prepared throughout the year to ensure its success.
From belly dancers to brass bands, rollerbladers to traditional dancers, as well as dragons and drum majorettes, the parade had something for everyone. Behind the scenes, talented artisans dedicated countless hours to create fantastical floats that added color and excitement to the procession.
Enthralled fans cheered for the DHL Stormers as they paraded their bespoke ‘Taking the Cape by Storm’ float down Somerset Street, joyfully dancing to the beat of distinctly South African music.
Rachel Jafta, Chairperson of the Cape Town Carnival Trust, noted that the event has transformed into a distinctive South African feature of the city’s cultural calendar over its past 15 years.
‘The Cape Town Carnival is unique because it reflects the essence of South Africa through its music, dance, and breathtaking floats,’ she stated.
‘This year’s parade, themed around WowZA!, highlighted Cape Town’s iconic elements, and the happiness it generated was evident on every attendee’s face,’ Jafta emphasized.
A standout addition to this year’s festivities was Brazilian guest Erika Januza, famously known as the ‘Queen of the Drums’ from Rio Carnival, who infused the event with an international flavor.
The floats celebrated local pride while embracing a broader theme of creativity and community, highlighted by mesmerizing performances from renowned South African artists.
YoungstaCPT electrified the crowd atop his Gatsby float, while hip-hop sensation Bravo Le Roux made his debut, joined by Cape Town’s own shining star, Paxton Fielies.
JP Smith, MMC for Safety and Security and participant in the parade, emphasized the carnival’s vital role in promoting unity among the diverse populations of the city.
‘In addition to creating jobs and boosting the economy, and being one of the eight signature events in our city, the Cape Town Carnival primarily promotes social cohesion,’ he commented.
‘It serves as a reminder that Capetonians are united and that we have more commonalities than differences,’ Smith added.
Echoing this sentiment, Hennie Myburgh, station manager of Kfm 94.5, expressed pride in the long-standing partnership with the event.
‘It’s remarkable to witness Cape Town unite in celebration during this joyful evening. We are proud to be involved,’ he stated.
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Picture: Supplied
