The Mother City is set to host its first fully-fledged multicultural, costumed and choreographed carnival on Saturday, March 20.
The entire length of Long Street, from Shortmarket Street to Buitensingel, is to become the playground for the inaugural Cape Town Carnival (CTC).
With the central theme ‘Rhythm, Roots and Boots’, this spectacular event aims to mirror the city’s cultural and artistic diversity. More than 2 000 costumed singers and dancers are to fill the street, performing six new Cape Town songs in unison, with sound relays and large screen viewings.
According to Alderman Felicity Purchase, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development and Tourism, the CTC will be an additional platform to distinguish Cape Town as the ‘party capital’ for the forthcoming Fifa World Cup tournament.
"Strategically timed between the Cape Argus Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Marathon, the event will promote economic growth and development, boost tourism, as well as strengthen social cohesion," she says.
Community groups, local artists, designers, theatrical performers and volunteers form the backbone of the event. The festivities kick off in Greenmarket Square at 18:00 with a pulsating concert, starring popular performers such as Loyiso, Emo Adams and new age hip hop-electro group, Locnville. This will be followed by the dazzling two hour carnival parade from 20:00 to 22:00.
"The Cape Town Carnival is all about partnerships, taking hands and creating a platform for the entire Cape Town to come together," says CEO, Isabel Meyer.
"Inspired by carnivals of the world, participants range from the celebrated minstrels, to ballet dancers, Xhosa artistes and oriental performers. Other participants include various choirs, drum majorettes, belly dancers, soccer players, marching bands, marimba bands, drag queens and pantsula dancers," she says.
She welcomed the City’s strategic partnership in the new venture. "The plan is to create an annual event, which will grow organically into a major international tourist highlight on Cape Town’s events calendar for the benefit of all Capetonians".
"The parade will tell the typical Cape Town stories through costumed participants, a number of massive costumes, some measuring four by two meters, men in very large harnesses crowned with feathers, stilt walkers, interesting characters and wonderful props. The event promises to be a feast for the ear and eye.
"The crowning glory will be a giant float, which is 12 metres long, 4 metres high and 3,5 metres wide. The acclaimed urban artist, Mak1One and a team of illustrators and designers collaborated on the float project.
"Entrance to the carnival is free and we expect thousands of Capetonians to congregate at Greenmarket Square and Long Street to share in the excitement," says Meyer.
Several large projection screens will be installed on Greenmarket Square and along Long Street to ensure that revellers can follow the kaleidoscope of colour and sound.
"Once the parade is over, the party will continue at Greenmarket Square until midnight, with the DJ duo Circuswing, performing in full carnival costumes, with jugglers and dancers," says Meyer.
Cape Town Traffic Services will announce road closures and traffic arrangements closer to the time.
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