Cape Town Carnival’s Afr’Energy to light up the city

With only two months to go until the iconic street parade returns to Green Point's Somerset Road, carnival crew and participating groups are hard at work preparing floats, finalising costumes and perfecting their dance skills.

The 2023 theme of 'Afr'Energy' symbolises the sense of reinvigoration that is being felt across the city after the challenges of Covid. At a media launch yesterday (EDS: 19 Jan), Cape Town Carnival performers gave guests a taste of this passion and the vibrant visual feast that awaits onlookers.

"It is a joy to know that the Cape Town Carnival will return to its 'home' on the Fan Walk in Green Point," said Mayor of Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis at the event. "After all the Afr'energy of tonight's performances I'm filled with such gratitude for the enormous effort that goes into producing one of Cape Town's premier events. This festive season we've had just shy of 1 million people coming into the city - that shows you that the terrible disruption of the last four years is behind us. Cape Town is back with a bang!"

"The Cape Town Carnival is a true celebration of rich diversity, great culture, the arts, and most importantly, empowering communities. This is what Multichoice ultimately believes in - enriching lives. We are proud to be the official sponsor of the Cape Town Carnival once again, as we celebrate each and every one of us stepping into our power to create something magical and beautiful," said Tumi Masekela, Multichoice Executive Head Corporate Affairs.

Along with a number of individual performers, forty-eight community groups from across the city make up the Cape Town Carnival parade. The diverse collection of participants - ranging from Masiphumelele drummers to the Western Province Marching Band - makes it a not-to-be-missed celebration of South African culture, collective strength and creativity.

Anroux Marais, the Western Province MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, spoke of the importance of cultivating this creativity. "The Cape Town Carnival is one of these spaces that allows our youth to see the possibility of the creative sector. While our young creatives are able to display their skills in the parade, it is also a joyous experience to see young people watching the event and see their faces light up. This is how we show the power of the arts sector."

Locals and visitors will be able to join in the festivities for free on March 18. The Fan Walk will be closed to vehicle traffic in the afternoon so that spectators can safely enjoy pre-event activities, and the main parade kicks off at 7pm.

"I extend a huge invitation to everyone who has not yet experienced the wonderful community and joy of the Cape Town Carnival. Come, bring your Afr'energy, join it with our Afr'energy and you'll see what magic there will be," said Cape Town Carnival Board Chair Professor Rachel Jafta.

Entry to the event is free but tickets will also be available for seats in strategically placed stands along the parade route. Tickets for Cape Town Carnival seats are on sale now on Quicket. For more information see capetowncarnival.com

ENDS