| Tweede Nuwe Jaar: Tens of thousands celebrate in Cape Town | Tweede Nuwe Jaar: Tens of thousands celebrate in Cape Town | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/CompDay1-37.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>Cape Town’s streets came alive on Monday, 5 January 2026 as the annual Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebration reaffirmed its status as one of Africa’s most iconic and beloved cultural events, drawing close to 25 000 spectators to the DHL stadium and many tens of thousands more to the street parade. Read more below.<br></p> | <p>From Somerset Road in Green Point to the iconic DHL Stadium, the city was filled with the unmistakable rhythm of Ghoema, vibrant satin costumes and the infectious energy of the Kaapse Klopse troupes. Painted faces, umbrellas and coordinated choreography transformed the route into a moving spectacle of heritage and pride.<br></p><p> <span></span></p><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/2nj%20parade%205.jpeg" alt="" style="width:951px;" /></figure>'It was the best start to 2026 joining tens of thousands of Capetonians for one of Africa's largest and most colourful cultural festivals. This is so wonderfully and uniquely part of our Cape Town heritage, and we love supporting the Klopse and watching thousands marching, singing, dancing and celebrating together. We are proud to support the KKKA's efforts to take Tweede Nuwe Jaar to new heights, including a first ever live TV broadcast. Klopse events receive the largest portion of the City's event support budget, and this year we saw again what a show-stopping and unifying moment this unique heritage celebration can deliver,' said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.<div><br><p></p><p>'This year marks a significant step forward in the logistical and organisational execution of the event. Congratulations to the KKKA for setting a new standard for what the event can be and for elevating the overall experience for spectators. This progress positions the event strongly for the future, where we anticipate increased corporate sponsorship and the creation of more job opportunities for minstrel groups in the years ahead,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.<br></p><p> <span></span></p><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/CompDay1-37.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /></figure>The parade marked the official opening of the 2026 Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) competition season, with all participating troupes taking part in the road march and opening competitive categories.</div><div><br><p></p><p>'It is always incredibly special to see Cape Town come together in celebration of this tradition,' said Muneeb Gambeno, a director at the KKKA. 'The pride, discipline and joy displayed by the troupes reflect generations of cultural heritage that continue to thrive. The Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade and the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association competitions would not be possible without the continued support of the City of Cape Town, event partners, stakeholders, suppliers, troupe captains, administrators and, most importantly, the people of Cape Town. This year's parade once again demonstrated the resilience, creativity and unity of the community, ensuring that the spirit of ghoema remains alive for future generations. Here's to another unforgettable season. Hier kom 'n ding.'<br></p><p><strong>The Festivities Continue</strong></p><p>While the Street Parade marked a powerful start to the season, the excitement continues this Saturday, 10 January 2026, as troupes compete in the next round of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association competitions at Athlone Stadium. Tickets will be available from Computicket from Thursday morning.</p><p>Stadium gates will open at 10:00, with the event commencing at 11:30. The KKKA's 2026 competition season will continue throughout January at Athlone Stadium, with troupes split into two sections and finals scheduled for February.<br></p><p><br></p></div> | 2026-01-05T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#de669d0f-b668-4ae7-92bb-b393edd91860;L0|#0de669d0f-b668-4ae7-92bb-b393edd91860|cape town stadium;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#3bd13869-3207-4532-9db7-a4ca95867a50;L0|#03bd13869-3207-4532-9db7-a4ca95867a50|JP Smith;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GPP|#3f57ea8a-3adb-4a8f-bb3a-0a20a62c7fe9;GP0|#0212ec81-3cea-4d6f-8cd2-9607f8d963a2;L0|#00212ec81-3cea-4d6f-8cd2-9607f8d963a2|Green Point;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#ab7f0d36-c340-4d42-a0da-037b9c4f99e7;L0|#0ab7f0d36-c340-4d42-a0da-037b9c4f99e7|Tweede Nuwe Jaar;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GPP|#f401091e-90e0-4973-be6f-46625ec8597d;GP0|#e6bfeb55-82c9-4509-b0be-a23d62a55edb;L0|#0e6bfeb55-82c9-4509-b0be-a23d62a55edb|minstrel carnival;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#f401091e-90e0-4973-be6f-46625ec8597d;L0|#0f401091e-90e0-4973-be6f-46625ec8597d|Minstrels;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
