Thousands lined Cape Town’s streets for Tweede Nuwe Jaar as spectators and performers celebrated the carnival’s deep roots in slavery and freedom, while also voicing pride in the competition and concern over changes to this year’s parade route. Cape Town’s streets once again burst into life with a kaleidoscope of colour, music, and emotion as thousands gathered to celebrate Tweede Nuwe Jaar, an event deeply rooted in the city’s history of slavery, liberation, and cultural expression. For many spectators, the day is not just about spectacle, but about family, memory and identity.
Nasheeda Majiedt, whose family hails from District Six, said the minstrels form a central part of her heritage. “My dad grew up in District Six which is where my whole family are from, so the minstrels are very much part of our heritage. It is something we are very passionate about,” she said.
Majiedt explained that her family usually arrives in the early hours of the morning to secure a spot along the route, but uncertainty this year changed their plans. “We only arrived at around ten-ish but usually, we get here around 5am. We weren’t sure if we would be allowed to put up a gazebo, so decided to come a little bit later,” she said. She said previous years allowed families to set up days in advance along Adderley or Darling streets, something she feels has been lost with the revised parade route.
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