Cape Town stepped into 2026 to the unmistakable sound of ghoema drums, as thousands gathered on Monday, 5 January, for the annual Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebrations, a centrepiece of the city’s cultural calendar that once again turned public spaces into places of shared memory, movement and meaning.
From early morning, spectators lined Somerset Road in Green Point before following the procession toward the DHL Stadium, where close to 25 000 people gathered to witness the formal showcase.
Tens of thousands more watched from pavements and balconies as Kaapse Klopse troupes marched through the city in satin uniforms, faces painted and umbrellas raised in rhythm, as highlighted by the City of Cape Town.
The march through the city
As the parade unfolded, coordinated choreography and brass sections transformed the route into a moving spectacle. The beat of the ghoema, steady, unmistakable and deeply rooted, carried through the streets, drawing applause from families, visitors and long-time supporters of the tradition.
City officials, reflecting on the scale and atmosphere of the day, described the celebrations as both a cultural milestone and a moment of unity.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the gathering was ‘the best start to 2026,’ noting the significance of seeing ‘tens of thousands of Capetonians’ come together for a festival that remains ‘so wonderfully and uniquely part of our Cape Town heritage’.
He added that the City was proud to support the KKKA’s efforts to grow the event, highlighting this year’s first-ever live television broadcast and the continued allocation of the largest share of the municipal events support budget to Klopse activities.
According to the mayor, the parade once again demonstrated ‘what a show-stopping and unifying moment this unique heritage celebration can deliver’.
Meanwhile, insights from the City’s Safety and Security portfolio pointed to notable progress behind the scenes. Alderman JP Smith said the 2026 parade reflected a ‘significant step forward in the logistical and organisational execution of the event’.
He congratulated the KKKA for setting ‘a new standard’ and said the improvements strengthened the festival’s long-term outlook, particularly in terms of attracting corporate sponsorship and expanding job opportunities for minstrel groups in the years ahead.
For the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association, the street parade signalled more than celebration, it marked the start of formal competition. All participating troupes took part in the road march, opening the competitive categories for the 2026 season.
KKKA director Muneeb Gambeno said seeing the city come together remained one of the most meaningful aspects of the event.
‘The pride, discipline and joy displayed by the troupes reflect generations of cultural heritage that continue to thrive,’ he said.
He also acknowledged the role of collective support, noting that the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade and the competition season would not be possible without backing from the City, partners, troupe administrators and spectators.
According to Gambeno, this year’s turnout once again highlighted the ‘resilience, creativity and unity of the community’, ensuring the spirit of ghoema continues into the future. ‘Hier kom ’n ding,’ he added.
While Monday’s parade set the stage, the festivities are far from over. The next round of KKKA competitions takes place on Saturday, 10 January, at Athlone Stadium. Gates open at 10am, with performances starting at 11:30am.
The competition season will continue throughout January, with troupes divided into two sections and finals scheduled for February. Tickets will be available through Computicket from Thursday morning.
As the city settles back into routine, the echoes of ghoema linger, not just as music, but as a reminder of Cape Town’s layered history and shared identity.
For many, Tweede Nuwe Jaar remains more than a parade; it is a collective pause to recognise where the city has come from, and how tradition continues to move forward, step by step, beat by beat.
Press play and feel it as the Klopse set the tone for 2026.
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Picture: CoCT/Facebook
