Everything is set for the return of the minstrels at Africa’s largest cultural festival, the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade. Thousands will take to the streets of the Cape Town city centre on Monday, 2 January 2023, to celebrate the traditional “Tweede Nuwe Jaar.”
Also read: Kaapse Klopse beats are to be heard again in the streets of Cape Town
Muneeb Gambeno, Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association Director, says that the backing they have received from new title sponsor Hollywoodbets has helped make this possible, along with the support of the City of Cape Town and other sponsors.
He said, “In order to organise an event on this scale, we need many stakeholders to work together to achieve the vision of creating an inclusive event for all the people of Cape Town. We are thrilled that the Klopse are able to take to the streets again in 2023 and look forward to the best version of the event to date.”
Devin Heffer, Hollywoodbets Brand and Communication Manager, says, “Hollywoodbets is honoured to be a part of this iconic event, now known as the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade, that is a part of the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Growth, community development, and fun are in the DNA of the Purple Family, and these are the values we share with the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association.”
“The partnership comes at a vital time as communities in the Cape are recovering from the devastating effects of COVID-19. Being a community-focused company, we are excited to be a part of and add value to this fun and vibrant event.”
Alderman JP Smith, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security, says, “The 2de Nuwe Jaar Street Parade is a tradition that spans decades and is very much part of the cornerstone of our cultural diversity here in Cape Town. This event has faced hardship over the last two years, having to be cancelled due to the global pandemic. This has resulted in the loss of livelihood and revenue for the countless people in the value chain who rely on these events to make a living. We are really looking forward to kicking off the new year with the street parade by putting on a massive celebration for their return and to ensuring that those who make a livelihood through these events can continue doing so.”
Here are five things you should know about the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade:
1. The Route:
The troupes will march along the same route as in 2020, beginning on Hanover Street in District Six. Buses will drop teams off close to Russel Street, and the official parade starts at the corner of Hanover Street and Sir Lowry Road; the first troupes will start at about 1pm.
Troupes will parade all along the designated route on Darling Street, form a U-shape onto the Grand Parade, then parade back into Darling Street and up Adderley Street, then into Wale Street past the Company Gardens. Troupes then cross over Buitengracht Street into the Bo Kaap area (Schotsche Kloof). In the Bo Kaap, they then turn right onto Rose Street and parade all the way to the end of Rose Street.
For the first time in the history of this famous parade, there will be a more significant investment in the aesthetic value, branding infrastructure, and activation mechanisms to entertain and engage on as much of the event footprint as possible to make it a world-class event for as many people as possible along the entire route.
2. Entertainment:
Entertainment starts with the opening ceremony at 10.30am on the Grand Parade in front of City Hall. There is a stage, and big-screen TVs will broadcast from multiple locations on the Grand Parade and on the route. There is a grandstand that is open to the public but has limited space. Once the stand is full, access will be restricted.
Chad Chitter, aka DJ Skouers, will MC, and confirmed on the bill are rapper The Narrator CPT, Protégé, an 80s classic boy band, and Novacaine. There will also be female and male vocalists from the Klopse fraternity, and the 021 Movement dance crew will perform the Kaapse Klopse theme tune, “Shake Your Body.” This, and much more, will be on the go until 3.30pm.
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Picture: Unsplash