Road closures for Tweede Nuwe Jaar

MINSTREL troupes are ready to shake, rattle, and roll when they take over Cape Town for the annual Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade today.

- MURRAY SWART and BRANDON NEL

The annual event, organised by the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA), is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators.

Kaapse Klopse is a traditional Cape Town minstrel festival where groups of performers, called troupes, march, dance, and play music through the streets. It takes place every year around Tweede Nuwe Jaar, or “Second New Year”, on January 2. This year, it takes place on January 5.

According to KKKA director Muneeb Gambeno the tradition dates back to started during the colonial era when slaves were allowed one day a year to celebrate the New Year. They used that day to sing, dance, and perform.

After the parade, the different troupes perform at the stadium where judges score them on marching, dancing, singing, musical skill, and overall presentation.