Cape Town’s biggest parade (and it’s free)

Cape Town Carnival 2023: Floats, pods and all the city’s flavours

Last updated: Monday, 23 January 2023

Cape Town’s biggest street parade is back in action. On Saturday, 18 March, experience performance groups, magnificent floats and flamboyant costumes at the Cape Town Carnival. Spectators can watch from the Green Point Fan Walk or cheer from the stands and VIP section. Here’s everything you need to know about Cape Town Carnival 2023. 

The Carnival is back to the iconic parade format on the Green Point Fan Walk. Image: Cape Town Carnival

CELEBRATE YOUR AFR’ENERGY

This year’s theme celebrates personal power, collective strength, Ubuntu, our Afri’future and Afri’now. For one day be wowed by the spirit, talent and creative energy that exists in Cape Town and celebrate your Afr’energy. 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Cape Town Carnival (@capetowncarnival)

SEE CAPE TOWN PERFORMERS

Along with a number of individual performers, 48 community groups from across the city make up the Cape Town Carnival parade. Spectators can look forward to Masiphumelele drummers, the Western Province Marching Band, Marimba Jam, spectacular floats and vibrant costumes, making it a not-to-be-missed celebration of South African culture.

Get ready for a carnival extravaganza that showcases incredible floats, costumes and artworks. Image: Cape Town Carnival

WATCH FROM THE FANWALK 

The Fan Walk will be closed to vehicle traffic in the afternoon so that spectators can safely enjoy pre-event activities. The two carnival villages open at 2.30pm along with food vendors and bars (Carnival Village 1 is situated near Somerset Circle and Carnival Village 2 will be situated in the Green Point traffic department parking lot).

The pre-parade, hosting Cape Town’s heroic firefighters, kicks off at 6pm followed by the main parade at 7pm. And after the parade, the fun will continue at Carnival Village 1 with DJs from 9pm - 11.30pm.

Entrance to the Fan Walk is free. Image: Cape Town Carnival

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Entry to the event is free, but tickets will be available for seats in the stands along the parade route. VIP tickets are also available, and include an exclusive hospitality area on a raised viewing platform, finger foods, a bar (selling selected beers, soft drinks and wine) and security.

Tickets for Cape Town Carnival seats are on sale now on Quicket. Image: Cape Town Carnival

ROAD CLOSURES FOR CAPE TOWN CARNIVAL

See the route map on Cape Town Carnival's website.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PARADE

Cape Town Carnival is on: Saturday, 18 March; 6pm - 10pm
Find it: Fan Walk, Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town
Book: Buy your tickets via Quicket
Contact them on: 021 406 3584, info@capetowncarnival.com, @capetowncarnival

By Lara van Zyl

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