Cape Town's Tweede Nuwe Jaar has moved

The popular, colourful street parade moves from 2 January to 16 June 2021

Cape Town’s colourful street parade and a calendar highlight for Capetonians, Tweede Nuwe Jaar, will move from 2 January to 16 June 2021. Kaapse Klopse Karnivaal Association director Muneeb Gambino says that the annual parade will be postponed due to Covid-19 concerns and safety, according to an article on Independent Online. The event will be celebrated on Youth Day, a day of enormous significance in South Africa.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The festive entertainment, which traditionally happens the beginning of January, usually starts from about 12 noon with an opening ceremony on the Grand Parade. Celebrations usually continue up until 10pm. 

At least 50 minstrel troupes participate on the day and there are heaps of street activation acts. These are yet to be confirmed for 2021, but in 2019 Football Freestylers, Khoisan Plasterz – Freestyle Dance Crew, Thandi Swartbooi Township Dance Academy, 7 Steps Drumline, 20Sk8 Skate Development and the Bo-Kaap Blikkie Band all participated.

WATCH: CELEBRATIONS AT TWEEDE NUWE JAAR CAPE TOWN STREET PARADE

THE PRE-MINSTREL SHOW

Before the Tweede Nuwe Jaar festivities, the Cape Malay Choir parades through the streets of Cape Town. This event is met with great anticipation every year. It takes place at night and the public stakes out their spots beforehand so that they can get a good view of the parade. Road closures are put into effect on the evenings set aside for the Malay Choir Parade.

HISTORY OF THE TWEEDE NUWE JAAR/SECOND NEW YEAR PARADE 

The annual parade dates back to the mid-19th century when the slaves in Cape Town were given one day off in the year. To celebrate, groups would dress up, wave parasols, strum banjos and make merry with music, dance and a parade from the District Six area through to the city centre. Many of the songs still sung today date back to the 1800s. Aside from honouring these classic tunes, repertoires are also laden with interpretations of modern pop songs to keep all ages entertained. Read more about the Cape Minstrels, also known as Kaapse Klopse.

Photos: Cape Town Street Parade Facebook Page. 

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Bring joy, happiness and celebrate the spirit of Easter with children in need at the Easter Parade. 

Locals and visitors can discover something new on the free walking tours of Cape Town.

Bring joy, happiness and celebrate the spirit of Easter with children in need at the Easter Parade.

If you're still planning, check out our round-up of NYE parties in Cape Town.

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