Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
It’s time to make merry
THE Mother City is officially in holiday mode! Here’s a guide to some of the hottest happenings in and around the city this Reconciliation Day weekend.
Voorsmaakie:
In the build-up to the annual Cape Town Street Parade (previously known as the Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Parade) in early January, revellers can attend the “Voorsmaakie” (preview) at the Grand Parade today.
This important event on the Cape Town cultural calendar kicks off at 2pm, with minstrels making their way from Keizergracht Street to the Grand Parade.
There will also be a “Battle of the Bands” and all sorts of fun, food and entertainment for the entire family.
MCQP:
Get out your shields, swords and most glamorous medieval outfits: MCQP, Africa’s biggest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) party of the year, descends on the Mother City this evening.
The Castle of Good Hope will play host to what’s become known as the ultimate event on Cape Town’s gay calendar, with partygoers encouraged to don their most OTT Dungeons and Dragons- themed looks. Tickets to MCQP are available via Quicket.co.za and start at R380.
The Festival of Chariots: Purported to be the oldest continuously celebrated street festival in the world, the annual Festival of Chariots event is hosted by the Hare Krishna Temple of Culture and Spirituality.
This year, the street parade kicks off at Beach Road in Sea Point from 10am.
Festival goers can enjoy a slew of cultural entertainment; delicious – and free – vegetarian dishes; face painting and traditional henna designs, and an opportunity to participate in mantra meditation and yoga. Visit www.iskconcape.org.za for more information. The Nutcracker at Artscape 98: It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a fairytale ballet rendition of the beloved tale of The Nutcracker.
The whole family can watch this quintessential Christmas story unfold on the Artscape 98 stage, featuring the dancers from the Cape Town City Ballet.
The show runs until December 24 and tickets cost R120-R200.
The Annual Carols By Candlelight at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens:
While the malls may be blaring Boney M Christmas songs, you can enjoy the more festive Carols by Candlelight at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens this weekend.
Gates open at 6pm for the carols, but get in earlier to listen to pre-entertainment from some well-known local performers – under the stars in one of Cape Town’s most picturesque settings.
Tickets are available through webtickets.co.za, and there’s free entry for children under the age of two.