2016 Cape Town Carnival: the mother of all street parties

On 12 March 2016, the 7th annual Cape Town Carnival will bring the mother of all street parades, lighting up the streets with color, music, and dance. This year's theme is 'Street Life' and it promises to be a dynamic celebration of South Africa identity by showcasing the diverse communities and cultures of our country.

Cape Town Carnival creative director, Brad Baard says, “Street Life is about the people and dynamics at play in a public space. Towns and cities are built of people and relationships, not bricks and concrete. We all have different styles and cultures but are connected by the vibrancy of the streets. ‘Street Life’ aims to make these invisible connections visible.”

Taxis, vendors, entrepreneurs, children on their way to school, hipsters and chancers, ambition and opportunity, street style, street food, fashion and culture: it’s all part of the gloriously eclectic life of our cities and towns. This year’s Cape Town Carnival invites you to take part in this symbolic celebration of our diversity.

As with past years, the 2016 Cape Town Carnival will showcase mesmerising giant floats, wacky puppets and a display of amazing speciality acts – each purposefully designed, built and choreographed specifically for the ‘Street Life’ theme.

A celebrity line-up

This year promises to be even more dynamic, with comedian Siv Ngesi participating for his third year and other local personalities like Liezel van der Westhuizen, Zoe Brown and Danny Ross joining the parade. Says Siv about being part of Cape Town Carnival: “I love the ‘Street Life’ theme; it’s so fresh. I will party with my Mother City as long as I am alive and kicking, but it isn't just about Cape Town. I have friends from all over the country who fly down to experience the Cape Town Carnival. Brazil Carnival better watch out!”

Carnival organisers are encouraging all spectators to get involved by dressing up and spreading the festivities beyond the parade barriers. “The Cape Town Carnival is an event that belongs to all the people of Cape Town,” says Cape Town Carnival Trust chairperson, Professor Rachel Jafta. “Everyone plays a part in making it happen and this year we encourage spectators to participate with vigour.”

When and where

Visitors will have the freedom of the city streets from 3pm as they join family and friends on the Green Point Fan Walk to enjoy the variety of food and crafts on offer. The streets will be closed for final preparations at 6pm, giving Carnival-goers enough time to find the perfect viewing spot, find their seats or make their way to one of the many restaurants along the Fan Walk before the magic begins at 7pm.

Over 2,000 dazzling costumed performers and musicians will take to Cape Town’s Fan Walk, entertaining viewers with magical floats and vibrant dance routines. The parade will be followed by a thumping street party, showcasing some of SA's hottest musical talent.

Event details

Date and time: Saturday, 12 March 2015 from 3pm - Late
Venue: Green Point Fan Walk
Ticket price: Free (unless you want raised seats or VIP access - Quicket)

While the event is free, those who want the best view of the Cape Town Carnival action can purchase tickets to secure elevated seats along the route HERE.

Vast Networks confirmed that they will provide free Wi-Fi access to all along the Green Point Fan Walk, which spectators can use to share their experiences.

For more information visit the 2016 Cape Town Carnival site.
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