You don’t need to go to South America to see a carnival. This year’s Cape Town Carnival was an impressive affair, with huge elaborate floats, over 2 000 performers, imaginative costumes and a whole lot of Fan Walk fun.
Every year I said to myself that I must attend the Cape Town Carnival and never did as something else always cropped up in my diary. However, this year I made an effort to find out the date well in advance and made sure nothing would thwart my efforts of attending this fun (and free) Mother City event. And boy am I glad I did – what a fantastic spectacle it was! The costumes were out of this world and some of the floats were as impressive as one’s you’d expect to see at the Rio Carnival.
A giant crocodile made from recycled plastic. Photo by Rachel Robinson
Carnival vibes, Zulu styles. Photo by Rachel Robinson
Colourful puppets trundled down the Fan Walk. Photo by Rachel Robinson
A whole new meaning to Lion matches. Photo by Rachel Robinson
On top of that, it seemed like everyone in Cape Town came out to play and the Fan Walk was filled with people having a good time. People tucked into hotdogs, burgers and samoosas and many got into the spirit by buying carnival masks and feathers. Some kids sat on shoulders to get a better view while others peered through the bars of the barriers along the road, their little faces beaming in delight. People lined the barriers to take in the parade action while others had a few beers in the beer tent or watched the proceedings from above in one of the restaurants in Green Point.
Hopefully there were no fires that night. Photo by Rachel Robinson
Bright colours everywhere. Photo by Rachel Robinson
The actual parade started at 19h30 with an endless throng of performers, showgirls and dancers. Cyclists, bikers and fire dancers met with stilt walkers, drummers and skateboarders. There was a giant protea and a purple lotus flower. Trucks drove slowly by with curvy burlesque dancers and well-built firemen. A huge silver robot made his way down the road, while a Nguni bull with red eyes startled spectators. Then there was an amazing crocodile made from recycled plastic, giant Zulu-style mandalas and illuminated African masks lit up the night sky.
A robot takes to the streets. Photo by Rachel Robinson
Catch a ride anyone? Photo by Rachel Robinson
A most impressive protea. Photo by Rachel Robinson
There were so many feathers and sequins, colours and sounds that it was almost overwhelming and they just seemed to keep on coming! When the last float trundled past at about 22h00 I was ready for bed! But the party had only just begun as DJ Fresh and MiCasa took over proceedings and the festivities carried on well into the night.
I have always had the Rio Carnival on my bucket list, but if the 5th Cape Town Carnival was that impressive, I think I will save the airfare and make sure I go down to the Fan Walk again next year for the sixth edition. I can only imagine it will be even more magical.
The recycled reptile. Photo by Rachel Robinson
Almost like Las Vegas! Photo by Rachel Robinson
Colourful mandalas, fun performers. Photo by Rachel Robinson
Beaming smiles everywhere. Photo by Rachel Robinson
Did you know?
The Cape Town Carnival is free event? Yes, it doesn’t cost you a thing to go. You may have to pay for parking (or catch the train), but there’s no entrance fee. So grab your friends and family, don a mask, buy a samoosa or two from a vendor and support your city. Catch you there next year!
For more information go to www.capetowncarnival.com.
 
