Cape Town Minstrel Carnival & 2nd New Year in Cape Town

Every year, Cape Town kicks off the New Year in a bright, colourful, rhythmic and musical way: The Cape Minstrel Carnival, known as the Tweede Nuwejaar. A 100% Capetonian event not to be missed!


Every year, Cape Town kicks off the New Year in a bright, colourful, rhythmic and musical way: The Cape Minstrel Carnival, known as the Tweede Nuwejaar, and formerly known as Cape Coon festival.

The minstrel parade on January 2nd in Cape Town is a must-see for everyone in Cape Town, local or visitor, as it reflects the heart and soul of vibrant Cape Town and beyond.

==Read about the Cape Minstrel Carnival 2007 or the 2008 Cape Minstrel Carnival ==

It is Cape Town's biggest
carnival with numerous minstrels festivals, minstrel competitions and extravagant parades. The Cape Minstrel Carnival or Coon Carnival has roots in the 18th century, when slaves in the Cape were allowed their one and only day off on January 2nd.

They picked up the 'art' of entertaining from the minstrel entertainers who stopped by Cape Town on American ocean liners in that time frame.

The Minstrel street parade on the first weekend starts in District Six and there are plenty of South African wares and mouth-watering local delicacies on sale along the route, attracting crowds of over 80,000.

Former President Nelson Mandela endorsed the minstrel event in 1996 and is now a patron of the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association.

Keep an eye out for the events calendar and our news section as we will on a regular basis pay attention to this wonderful event. Subscribe to our free newsletter for all updates on the Cape Town new year celebrations!

Cape Town Events Calendar
 
January 2006
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Big Cook Little Cook Makers LandingWhat's on at the V&A Waterfront during ...

Easter egg hunts, live shows, kids market, vinyl fair + 5 more

Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective at Iziko MuseumOnce-in-a-lifetime exhibition of Esther ...

On from February to August 2024; 100+ artworks

Cannibisters 2024Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room

Mischu eggs benedict Weekends are for mischu

Where else do you get breakfast under R100 in Sea Point?

Harringtons Cocktail Lounge District SixFridays at East City's Harrington Street

Bar hop in one building, from happy hour to live music

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekBest day ever? Monster Mountain ...

Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery

Escape rooms Cape TownPossibly the best escape room in the ...

HintHunt’s Marble is being called “the king of escape rooms”

Bamboo Plant Power plant based healthy takeaways Netflix and chill & office lunch are ...

From mushroom burgers and loaded fries to “sticky wings”

Amina Boutique Hotel You can now book out this entire hotel ...

Infrared sauna, pool, special art, stunning rooms

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

Big Cook Little Cook Makers LandingWhat's on at the V&A Waterfront during ...

Easter egg hunts, live shows, kids market, vinyl fair + 5 more

Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective at Iziko MuseumOnce-in-a-lifetime exhibition of Esther ...

On from February to August 2024; 100+ artworks

Cannibisters 2024Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room

Mischu eggs benedict Weekends are for mischu

Where else do you get breakfast under R100 in Sea Point?

Woodstock Brewery beer tastingLocal craft beer tasting even ...

Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekBest day ever? Monster Mountain ...

Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery

Escape rooms Cape TownPossibly the best escape room in the ...

HintHunt’s Marble is being called “the king of escape rooms”

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Mountain MarketAffordable healthy food at this city ...

Organic fruit and veg, smoothie bowls + small-scale clothes

Honeybee Heroes Be a beekeeper for a day at Honeybee ...

Adopt a hive, learn about bees, take a beekeeping course, buy honey

Kloof Street Baikt Ceramics(Re)discover the iconic Kloof Street

Voted coolest street in the world, here’s why

NOVO Pizza 4A neighbourhood pizza gem for the family

Apertivos, pizzas, colouring tables and more at NOVO

Kanji RamenRamen and street food on Kloof Nek

Ramen, bao buns and flan cheesecake at Kanji Ramen

Big Cook Little Cook Makers LandingWhat's on at the V&A Waterfront during ...

Easter egg hunts, live shows, kids market, vinyl fair + 5 more

Blueberry BarBlueberry picking and tasting in the ...

Pick fresh berries and try a blueberry tasting

Coworking at Casa Labia by Ideas CartelMeeting rooms, boardrooms, from the CBD ...

Ideas Cartel: Work, play + stay hub for today's businesses

HintHunt Africa team buildingTeam-building activities you’ll ...

Surprise your team with these fun team-building activities

V&A Waterfront Easter egg huntsHow to celebrate Easter in Cape Town

Family fest, rooftop party, hot cross bun pairing and more

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