The inaugural Cape Town Carnival – a community project aimed at bringing together the diverse communities of Cape Town through music, dance and cultural expression – will take place in Long Street on Saturday 20 March.
The carnival – aimed at beoming Cape Town’s version of the Rio carnival – was originally planned for Mouille Point, but was later moved to Long Street after the three-day event was changed into a one night party on Saturday.
The carnival will be held in Long Street between Shortmarket Street and Buitensingel. About 7000 people are expected to attend, including some 300 VIP guests. There will be 40 musicians involved and about 2500 parade participants.
A free concert will be held in Greenmarket Square from 18h00. A carnival parade will follow from 20h00 to about 22h00. No parking will be allowed in Long Street or within the event footprint between 00h00 on Friday and 05h00 on Sunday. Public parking will be available on Grant Parade and in surrounding streets.
Organisers identified the lack of a unifying event in Cape Town during a visit to the Rio Carnival. They found that, although Cape Town has no shortage of cultural offerings combining music, dance and other kinds of creativity, these all seem to be catering for particular niches. This means citizens do not see the rich tapestry of music genres, dance styles together, as an “expression of the heart of Cape Town”, rich in its diversity.
