Cape Town Carnival lights up city streets with colour and community spirit

Thousands of Capetonians gathered on 21 March to experience the annual Cape Town Carnival, as the city came alive with music, performance and creative expression celebrating South Africa’s diverse stories.

A street party like no other

The free event opened with crowd favourites including Fire Fighters and Law Enforcement Officers, followed by Harley Davidson riders.

Hosts Carl Wastie and Cassidy Nicholson officially opened the 16th Cape Town Carnival, setting the stage for a vibrant procession along Somerset Street in Green Point.

Follow your heART

This year’s theme, Follow your heART, brought together 12 Carnival Champions from Cape Town’s creative community. Their influence shaped the floats and performances, highlighting local talent and storytelling.

Singer Zolani Mahola performed on the Uvuyo float, celebrating joy and unity. Anslin Gysman and Natasha van der Merwe delivered local favourites on the Trap vir Trap float. Activist Nyaniso Tutu-Burris featured on the Amandla float, while Dylan Majavie appeared on the Morph float focused on transformation.

DJ Ready D and graffiti artist Rizah Potgieter added energy to the BPM Beats Paint Move float, blending music and visual art.

Celebrating local talent

“We called them our Champions because they have voluntarily and proudly been part of the process of telling their stories and inspiring carnival participants to follow their dreams. Their excitement to be part of the carnival has been inspiring,” says Carnival CEO Jay Douwes. “We want the public to see themselves in these very local, but incredible talents.”

They were joined by Siv Ngesi, Miss Universe South Africa 2025 Melissa Nayimuli, and the Kfm 94.5 duo of Wastie and Nicholson.

Community at the heart

The parade featured 50 performance groups from communities across the city, each bringing their own story, energy and creativity to the streets.

“We are about community, human connection, joy and creating something magnificent. Our performers put their hearts, soul and bodies into bringing us this amazing spectacle, and we feel so honoured to be able to bring this event to the heart of Cape Town every year,” adds Prof Rachel Jafta, Chair of the Cape Town Carnival Trust.

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