Vibrant colours, upbeat tunes, jaw-dropping dancing, lip-smacking food, happy faces, and laughter all around. Who doesn’t love a good carnival? As if one carnival wasn’t exciting enough, Capetonians can look forward to TWO festive celebrations within the next month!
Community Chest Carnival: 27 February – 2 March 2013
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a culinary trip around the world at the annual Community Chest Carnival; one of Cape Town’s longest running and most successful family events. This year the Community Chest of the Western Cape will be hosting its 62nd carnival at the refurbished Maynardville Park in Wynberg from 27 February to 2 March 2013.
The event has become a signature on the Community Chest’s fundraising calendar, contributing support to over 400 organisations throughout the Western Cape. Visitors can look forward to authentic dishes from afar as China, Ireland, and India. Bringing the world to Cape Town is no easy feat and already the organisers are arranging the safe passage of tons of cheese, half a ton of Dutch liquorice, 600 dozen eggs, and 800 litres of milk for Belgium waffles, as well as sourcing fresh fish and rice for Japanese sushi and tons of other ingredients. Some 7,000 volunteers are donating their time and skills to ensure that this Community Chest Carnival will be better than any before it. “Carnival is a celebration of cultures and diversity and the volunteers represent just about every community in Cape Town,” says organiser Greg Damster.
Aside from delicious international fare, there will be clothing and book stalls, as well as entertainment provided by local bands, singers, and dancers. Kids will be enthralled with activities like carnival rides, jumping castles, and face painting. Family tickets are available from between R25 and R50, depending on the day. Click here for more information about opening times and ticket prices.
The Cape Town Carnival: 16 March 2013
With fabulously costumed performers and richly decorated floats, the 4th annual Cape Town Carnival parade will take the Mother City on a dazzling journey with our African Legends on Saturday, 16 March 2013 along the Fan Walk, Somerset Road, Green Point.
The carnival has a South African flair, showcasing creativity and artistic expression through world class entertainment. Flamboyant floats depicting various legends and stories will be accompanied by about 2,000 colourfully costumed dancers to create an interactive spectacle that will unite all communities in a lively, fun, and vibrant atmosphere. “The public can look forward to the city being brought to life by a parade of our legendary floats including Van Hunks smoking on Table Mountain, The Flying Dutchman in full sail, the colourful Namaqualand Daisies, the ancient Khoi-San legend of The Mantis and the Moon, the spectacular Queen of Sheba, and fierce Nyami-Nyami, The Spirit of the Zambezi,” says Brad Baard, Creative Director of the Carnival.
Have a look at the 2012 highlights:
http://youtu.be/iCtbrI6Qmq8
The parade is free of charge and open to public viewing along the entire route. Festivities kick off at 5pm with food and drink stalls, live bands, market stalls, and more at the Green Point Stadium Forecourt near McDonalds. The parade itself comes alive at 7pm, igniting the city with radiant colours and fabulous dance acts. Local DJs will rock the free street party before and after the parade, winding up at midnight. Invite your friends and celebrate the joy and diversity that is Cape Town!
Follow event updates and happenings on Facebook and Twitter.
UPDATE: Don’t miss the early Cape Town Carnival activation this Sunday 3rd March, 12:30pm, at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre. Lead dancers, performing groups of all different types, lots of colour, photo opportunity, and much more. More event details on Facebook.
UPDATE: Although the procession is free to the public, there is a VIP GRAND STAND with the best view in Cape Town! VIP tickets cost R500 pp and include a seat in a secure area, drinks, delicious food, and parking. Book your tickets online now at Ticketbreak.
VIP Stand : Outside the Gallows Hill traffic department
VIP Parking : Gallows Hill traffic department parking area, Greenpoint
There are a few block booking opportunities for corporate or other groups, or just book for yourself and your friends.
Looking for accommodation in Cape Town? Do it the easy way with LekkeSlaap.co.za!
What carnivals are you looking forward to in 2013?
