#CoronavirusSA: Cape Town Carnival cancelled

16 Mar 2020

The Cape Town Carnival - which was set to take place on 21 March 2020 - has been cancelled following President Cyril Ramaphosa's declaration of a state of disaster in light of the coronavirus. Government has banned gatherings of more than 100 people.

The Cape Town Carnival Trust made the decision in consultation with stakeholders, the trustees and management of the Cape Town Carnival and resolved to cancel the carnival parade in the best interests of the health and welfare of all people.

#CoronavirusSA: Cape Town Carnival cancelled

In a statement, the Cape Town Carnival Trust said that it would like to thank the 44 community groups, the individual performers and the carnival staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare for this event.

“We are heartened by the fact that the Cape Town Carnival is not only the event, but a yearlong process, and that the many programmes that have run throughout the year and culminate in the annual event have taken place, and the value of the growth and experience for all has not been lost,” it said in the statement.

It is with deep regret that the Cape Town Carnival Trust announces the cancellation of the Cape Town Carnival which was to be held next Saturday on the 21st March 2020. This decision is taken in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more info go to https://t.co/qbxnw4rvJQ
— Cape Town Carnival (@CTCarnival) March 15, 2020

"At least 2,094 performers, young and old, from all parts of Cape Town, have been engaged in healthy, joyful and creative activities. The family of ‘carnivalistas’ continues to grow as a community of mutual support. Furthermore, the production of floats and costumes has created jobs, developed skills and improved self-esteem in communities across the metropol and the Western Cape and will be showcased at the next event," the trust continued.

“My heart goes out to the carnival communities and our management team who have worked so hard to make this year’s parade extra special. Don’t lose hope; we will be back. We thank our sponsors and suppliers for their understanding in these uncertain times,” added Professor Rachel Jafta, chairperson of the Cape Town Carnival Trust.