Cape Town Carnival unites diverse communities
Thousands of spectators line Somerset Street in Green Point as the Cape Town Carnival brings colour, music and community spirit to the city.
Image: Supplied
Cape Town’s streets came alive with colour, music and movement as thousands of spectators gathered in Green Point on Saturday night to witness the 16th annual Cape Town Carnival, a celebration of creativity, community and South African storytelling.
The free street parade, held along Somerset Street, drew massive crowds who lined the route to experience a dazzling display of floats, costumes and performances, all centred around this year’s theme, “Follow your heART”.
As has become tradition, the spectacle opened with crowd favourites, including firefighters and law enforcement officers, who flexed their strength in a high-energy start to the evening. The roar of Harley-Davidson motorcycles followed, revving up excitement before hosts Carl Wastie and Cassidy Nicholson officially kicked off proceedings.
More than 1,200 performers from over 50 community groups took part, transforming the streets into a moving stage of dance, music and visual art. The parade showcased the diversity and talent of Cape Town’s communities, with each group telling unique stories through their performances.
As has become tradition, the year’s spectacular free street party started with crowd favourites the Fire Fighters and Law Enforcement Officers showing some impressive muscle, followed by the Harley Davidsons revving our motors.
Image: Armand Hough
A standout feature of this year’s carnival was the introduction of 12 “Carnival Champions”, creatives from across the city who helped shape the artistic direction of the event while inspiring participants to embrace their own talents.
Among them was acclaimed singer Zolani Mahola, who delivered a powerful performance on the Uvuyo float, celebrating joy, culture and the unifying power of music. Veteran DJ Ready D brought his signature sound to the BPM: Beats | Paint | Move float, joined by graffiti artist Rizah Potgieter in a vibrant fusion of sound and street art.
Actor and presenter Siv Ngesi and Miss Universe South Africa 2025 Melissa Nayimuli were also part of the festivities, alongside a host of performers who brought energy and star power to the parade.
Capetonians came out in numbers to marvel at the incredible spectacle of the annual Cape Town Carnival and celebrate with the communities that tell the varied stories of South Africa.
Image: Armand Hough
Other highlights included the Trap vir Trap float, where Anslin Gysman and Natasha van der Merwe entertained crowds with beloved local classics, and the Amandla float, featuring activist Nyaniso Tutu-Burris in a tribute to South Africa’s history and resilience. Media personality Dylan Majavie appeared on the Morph float, which explored themes of transformation and identity.
Cape Town Carnival CEO Jay Douwes said the Champions initiative added a deeply personal dimension to this year’s event.
“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,” he said.
Chair of the Cape Town Carnival Trust, Professor Rachel Jafta, emphasised the importance of the event in fostering unity and connection.
“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,” she said.
The carnival has become a highlight on the city’s cultural calendar, not only for its entertainment value but also for its role in providing a platform for local artists and communities to showcase their work on a grand stage.
From elaborate floats to intricate costumes and high-energy choreography, the event once again demonstrated the power of the arts to bring people together and reflect the spirit of the Mother City.
As the final floats made their way through Green Point under the glow of city lights, the message of this year’s theme rang clear: to celebrate creativity, follow one’s passion, and recognise the shared stories that connect communities across Cape Town.