2de Nuwe Jaar may be canned
Cape Town - 190102 - Pictured are the Baruch Entertainers in the Bo-Kaap. Thousands of minstrels comprising of several dozen troupes took part in the annual Tweede Nuwe Jaar Cape Town Street Parade. The yearly parade dates back to the mid-19th century when the slaves in Cape Town were given one day off in the year (2 January). To celebrate, groups would dress up, wave parasols, strum banjos and make merry with music, dance and a parade from the District Six area through to the city centre. Many of the songs still sung today date back to the 1800s. Aside from honouring these classic tunes, repertoires are also laden with interpretations of modern pop songs to keep all ages entertained. Picture: David Ritchie/African News Agency/ANA
For the first time since inception in 1907, Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebrations may be cancelled next year due to Covid-19.
Although there have not been any calls or confirmation that the event will be canned due to the pandemic, Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association director Muneeb Gambeno said that all stakeholders were in constant conversation about the situation, reports the Weekend Argus.
The City of Cape Town has already cancelled one of the city’s most iconic events, the switching on of the festive lights, which draws about 100 000 spectators each year.
In 2015, the iconic klopse carnival was delayed for the first time because on the initial planned date of 3 January, the local Muslim community celebrated the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
It was then moved to 5 January but cancelled hours before the event due to logistical reasons.
As many as 13000 minstrels take to the streets during the celebrations, decked in bright colours and umbrellas.
The events that are associated with klopse in the festive season include competitions for the Christmas Choirs, Cape Malay Choirs and Cape Minstrel Choirs.
Gambeno said: “It doesn’t come as a surprise to me that the event (the switching on of festive lights) has been cancelled because we are still in the middle of a pandemic and that is why we would accept if the carnival is cancelled.
“The safety of our people has to remain a priority.”
Weekend Argus