Five reasons not to miss the Cape Town Carnival

Whatever floats your boat

1. Cape Town has never seen a show quite like this
Though the first annual Cape Town Carnival took place three years ago in March 2010, the parade remains largely undiscovered. Many Capetonians still have yet to enjoy their first carnival, and in light of the large crowds that descended upon Long Street to watch the festivities last year, this year’s performance has been moved to the sidewalks of the Fan Walk. 

2. Floats of epic proportions
Don’t just watch it on TV, see the massive floats, some two stories high, up close and personal. Designers and volunteers work tirelessly year round to get the world-class floats ready to wow international spectators and locals alike, and what’s more, they’re all made from recycled materials.

3. Be amazed by the elaborate costumes
Be amazed by the glitz and sparkle that Cape Town’s Carnival’s academies have created. Expect feathers (lots and lots of feathers), dazzling colours, hats galore and enough sequins to cover the length of the Fan Walk. Members of community sewing circles and craft collaborations have stitched together outfits to clothe belly-dancers, minstrels, gum-boot dancers, puppeteers as well as Spanish, contemporary, hip hop and African traditional dancers.

4. Step back and wonder at the choreography
Eleven carnival academies made up of roughly 150 dancers synchronise their skills and talents to make a painstaking, perfect dance routine seem like a piece of cake. Each of the 2000 performers has given their time and dedication on a volunteer basis to create a large-scale performance that would leave the most die-hard, Brazilian carnie groupies impressed.

5. Have a jol at the Cape Town Carnival with DJ Dino Bravo on the decks
Come dressed up in your most fabulous, outrageous and festive costume for the party of a lifetime. Watch the Fan Walk come alive and party till the sun comes up.

Read more about the Cape Town Carnival 2012.

Make sure you don’t miss the Cape Town Carnival in March 2012! Previously on Long Street, it’s now moved to the Fan Walk.