Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool opened the Cape Minstrel march in Darling Street in the city centre, just before he and deputy executive mayor Gawa Samuels joined the crowd and danced to the beat of the music while receiving colourful umbrellas from various troupes as they passed by.

Samuels said the Tweede Nuwe Jaar, which always takes place on January 2nd,  was as much a part of the city's culture, like "snoek en patats", Table Mountain, the South-easter and the ocean.

"The Cape Carnival over many decades in the Mother City is not merely an expression of tradition or culture. It commemorates slavery and the abolishment thereof. This carnival is now also a celebration of our freedom and the new democratic freedom we attained under the new dispensation. It shows us the way we are: the rainbow people of God," she added.

Crowds of people from all over the country, as well as tourists from abroad, lined Darling, Adderley and Wale Streets in the hot sun as they waited for the 66 troupes to parade through the streets in their colourful garments and umbrellas on their way to the Green Point Stadium.

The troupes varied in size and one of the biggest groups was 1 500 members strong. Children as young as two participated in the parade and some even played musical instruments.

The troupes were judged by a panel and there are trophies for the best dressed team, best board and best drum majorette.

Brenda Felix, of Factreton said that she had been waiting in Darling Street since 8am to watch the parade. However, she complained that the facilities for spectators were not good enough.

(Source: The Cape Times / 3 Jan 2006)

Subscribe to our free newsletter for more news on South Africa. Also subscribe if you want to know more about great social projects, accommodation and hotels in South Africa, awesome events across the country, unique images, property development and real estate in South Africa, news, great music, interesting information and other stories on Cape Town and the rest of South Africa.

Apart from that, as a newsletter subscriber of CapeTownMagazine.com, you may win a four-star stay in Cape Town and The Winelands. Three times a year we give away such dream holiday. And other great prizes too! So do not hesitate and Subscribe! It is free!