Cape Town carnival set to dazzle on with over 1 500 performers
The Cape Town Carnival returns and is looking forward to celebrating and sharing our nation's cultures with the theme "Follow Your heART" with friends and family in our beautiful city streets.
Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers
Cape Town’s streets will come alive with colour, music and movement on March 21 when the 16th edition of the Cape Town Carnival takes over Somerset Street in Green Point, showcasing the talent of more than 1 500 performers.
Under the 2026 theme, “Follow Your HeART”, the Carnival invites Capetonians, South Africans and visitors to celebrate creativity, connection and the artists who follow their passion to create something extraordinary.
Speaking at the launch on last Thursday, January 15, Cape Town Carnival Trust chair Rachel Jafta said the event offers a joyful antidote to an increasingly uncertain world.
“There’s so much uncertainty globally, but it’s in these times when the spirit of the Carnival shines its brightest. We are about community, human connection, joy and creating something magnificent,” she said. “Our performers put their hearts, soul and bodies into bringing us this amazing spectacle. Our sponsors are investing in far more than an event – they are investing in dreams.”
Carnival CEO Jay Douwes said this year’s celebration will spotlight 12 “Champions” drawn from Cape Town’s creative community, each of whom has followed their heart to live their passion and will share their stories with audiences.
Singer Zolani Mahola, one of the Champions, said Cape Town played a defining role in her artistic journey. “I arrived here from the Eastern Cape 26 years ago, dreaming of performing to thousands. Those dreams have come true, largely because of this city. Being a Cape Town Carnival Champion here feels deeply meaningful,” she said.
The other Champions are Anslin Gysman, DJ Ready D, Natasha van der Merwe, Rizah Potgieter, Bravo le Roux, Stephen van Eeden, Jemma Fourie, Terry Fortune, Nyaniso Tutu-Burris, Qhayiya Tyali and Dylan Majavie.
Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the Carnival creates shared spaces for people who might not otherwise interact. “We all live in our own bubbles. Events like this bring people onto the streets to encounter other stories. You’re seeing an incredible show that’s taken months to create, while the stories of the city walk right past you,” he said.
Behind the spectacle, the Carnival operates year-round as a driver of job creation, skills development and artistic opportunity. Western Cape premier Alan Winde said the event’s impact goes beyond entertainment. “This event changes people’s lives. The Carnival showcases the very best of who we are and what we have to offer,” he said.
The Cape Town Carnival takes place on March 21 in Green Point.
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