Troupes ready to dazzle in annual klopse

CAPE Town Street Parade, in partnership with the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape government and CocaCola, is preparing for the world-class event that takes place on January 2.

The parade, previously known as Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year), has evolved into a huge production that includes a variety of performances, face paintings and uniforms.

Minstrel troupes from all areas across Cape Town will perform in the streets of the city centre between Keizersgracht Street in District Six and Rose Street in the Bo-Kaap, honouring a long tradition that has been celebrated in the Cape for more than 110 years.

“We are encouraged by the large number of troupes that have already registered for 2019, and we expect at least 50 troupes to participate on the day,” says Muneeb Gambeno, director of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA), organisers of the Cape Town Street Parade.

Gambeno says they have made significant improvements in arrangements for the parade.

“People attending the event are encouraged to come to the Grand Parade to be a part of the festivities and enjoy the new route on to the Grand Parade.

“The Coke Gig Rig will be set up for entertainment and a big screen will ensure as many people as possible are able to see. For this reason, there will be no gazebos allowed on the Grand Parade,” says Gambeno.