Crowds are expected to gather along the parade route as Cape Town prepares for the official Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebrations, with extensive road closures and traffic restrictions in place across Green Point on Monday. Minstrel troupes are ready to shake, rattle, and roll when they take over Cape Town for the annual Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade on Monday. Minstrel troupes are ready to shake, rattle, and roll when they take over Cape Town for the annual Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade on Monday The annual event, organised by the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA), is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators.
Kaapse Klopse is a traditional Cape Town minstrel festival where groups of performers, called troupes, march, dance, and play music through the streets. It takes place every year around Tweede Nuwe Jaar, or “Second New Year”, on January 2. This year’s, it takes place on January 5.
The event, which is famous for its colourful costumes, top hats, painted faces, and lively music, including drums, trumpets, and trombones, has a long history. According to KKKA director Muneeb Gambeno it started during the colonial era when slaves were allowed one day a year to celebrate the New Year. They used that day to sing, dance, and perform, creating a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
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After the parade, the different troupes perform at the stadium where judges score them on marching, dancing, singing, musical skill, and overall presentation. The season continues on January 10, 24, and 31, with January 17 skipped for an important Islamic observance. On January 31, section one finals will be held to crown a winner, and the season concludes with section two finals on February 7.
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