WRONG TURN - Mense stiek uit in their hordes, but many left disappointed with the Klopse’s new route

Cape Town’s streets once again filled with colour, music and emotion as thousands gathered to celebrate Tweede Nuwe Jaar.

For many spectators, the day - deeply rooted in the city’s history of slavery, liberation and cultural expression - is not just about spectacle, but about family, memory and identity. 

Over 20 000 performers took part in the new look parade from Chiappini Street in the Bo Kaap, down Somerset Road and to the Cape Town Stadium for the first day of competition to be crowned Carnival Kings. 

They were joined by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who told the SABC that an estimated 100 000 mense lined the route to see voorlopers and their troupes kriewel lekker.

Nasheeda Majiedt, whose family hails from District Six, said the minstrels form a central part of her heritage.

“My dad grew up in District Six which is where my whole family are from, so the minstrels are very much part of our heritage. It is something we are very passionate about,” she said.

Majiedt explained that her family usually arrives in the early hours of the morning to secure a spot along the route, but uncertainty this year changed their plans.

“We only arrived at around ten-ish but usually, we get here around 5am. We weren’t sure if we would be allowed to put up a gazebo, so decided to come a little bit later,” she said.

She said previous years allowed families to set up days in advance along Adderley or Darling streets, something she feels has been lost with the revised parade route.

“I’m not happy with the route this year. It’s much shorter and it’s changing our heritage and culture,” Majiedt added.

Spectators travelled from across Cape Town to be part of the celebrations. Harold Adams, from Colorado Park in Mitchells Plain, said he attends Tweede Nuwe Jaar every year because of its historical and emotional significance.

“I enjoy being in Cape Town for Tweede Nuwe Jaar every year. It takes us back to remind us of a time of slavery when people were set free for Tweede Nuwe Jaar,” Adams said.

He described the event as a powerful symbol of freedom and renewal.

“This is our culture and we can’t wait for this time to arrive. It’s a new beginning and a time of crossing over from oppression and suppression to freedom and liberty,” he said.

Adams said the carnival also provides a positive outlet in communities facing social challenges.

“Our country is flooded with drugs. Our children are unemployed and this event provides a platform to make music and melody from their hearts,” he said, adding that his favourite troupe is the All Stars from Athlone.

“When you dance, you dance yourself loose and feel excited, which is what this event is all about. There really is nothing better,” Adams said.

From the performers’ perspective, the day represents months of dedication and discipline. Trevor Joseph of the West London All Stars said the timing of this year’s march was shaped by religious observances and major sporting events.

“This event usually takes place on the second of January but today is our big march. Friday was a day of prayer for the Muslim people and the Stormers played on Saturday. If we had marched on the same day as the match, there would have been major congestion on the roads,” Joseph said.

He emphasised that the street parade is only part of a much larger competitive process.

“What people need to understand is that today we are going into competition, which is why we need to have the stadium available,” he said.

Joseph detailed the intense preparation behind each performance, noting that rehearsals began as early as February and often ran late into the night.

“People take it lightly but there is a lot of time and effort that goes into our performance. It’s not just about how fancy your clothing is but about how hard you practice,” he said.

He said the West London All Stars are aiming for a fifth consecutive Carnival Kings title, which would coincide with the troupe’s tenth anniversary.

Another troupe leader, Ebrahim Sallie of the Phantoms, echoed concerns about the parade route while reaffirming the importance of the competition itself.

“This event comes from the time of the slaves and is very much a celebration of freedom,” Sallie said.

He described the march to the stadium and the start of the competition as one of the highlights of the day, where troupes select their strongest singers and bands to compete.

“It’s not just about the singing and dancing in the streets but about the competition in the stadium where every troupe from every area comes to compete against each other,” he said.

Sallie said he would prefer a return to the previous route, which he believes better reflects the cultural history of the event.

As Cape Town continues to balance logistics, safety and tradition, the voices of spectators and performers underline a shared message: that Tweede Nuwe Jaar remains a living expression of freedom, resilience and community — even as its form continues to evolve.