Cape Town Carnival: 15 Years of Creativity, Culture and Connection

Since 2010, the Cape Town Carnival has transformed the streets of the Mother City into a vibrant stage for creative expression. What began as a dream to unite Cape Town’s diverse communities has evolved into one of South Africa’s most iconic cultural celebrations – and in 2025, the Carnival proudly marked 15 years of unforgettable energy, colour and connection.

Every year, the Green Point Fan Walk comes alive with more than 1,500 performers from over 50 community groups. Tens of thousands of spectators line the route for an evening of dazzling floats, breathtaking costumes, and spirited dance and music that reflect the extraordinary diversity of Cape Town and South Africa.

More Than a Parade

The Cape Town Carnival is more than a once-a-year spectacle – it is a year-round programme that fosters social cohesion, supports the arts, and drives economic activity. From skills development and job creation to tourism promotion and cultural visibility, the Carnival is a powerful engine of community empowerment and creative collaboration.

Each Carnival begins months in advance, with diverse creative teams and community representatives gathering to develop the theme and sub-themes. These ideas are refined in workshops involving more than 100 participants – artists, artisans, performers, and leaders – ensuring that every float, costume, and performance aligns with the central vision.

The process continues with regular collaborative sessions leading up to the event, culminating in an extraordinary evening that is both locally rooted and globally relevant.

WowZA! A 15-Year Milestone

In March 2025, the Cape Town Carnival celebrated its 15th anniversary with a showcase titled “WowZA!” – a tribute to all it has achieved and a bold look ahead.

Special guests included Cape Town’s rugby champions, the Stormers; Erika Januza, Rio’s Queen of the Drums; SA music stars Paxton and Youngsta CPT; Bravo; Kfm94.5; The Drag Cartel’s dazzling queens; and the ever-popular City of Cape Town Firefighters. But as always, the heart of the Carnival belonged to the community performers whose passion fuels the event’s success year after year.

A Celebration of South African Sound

The Carnival’s choreography and music reflect a true cross-section of South African culture, featuring 24 genres of dance from African traditional and belly dancing to hip hop and kwaito. Around 70% of the parade music showcases local sounds – Amapiano, Afrikaans, Afro house, brass bands and more – celebrating the vibrancy of South African music.

Art with Impact

The Carnival’s artworks department creates stunning floats and costumes, with a strong focus on sustainability. In 2024, over half of the costumes were upcycled – part of an ongoing commitment to artistic innovation and environmental responsibility.

The event also delivers tangible benefits: supporting local businesses, fostering skills, and offering economic opportunities for Cape Town’s communities. Behind the scenes, a small year-round team grows in the lead-up to Carnival night, supported by all three tiers of government and a wide network of sponsors.

A Celebration That Connects Us All

At its core, the Cape Town Carnival is about more than performance – it is about people. It is a platform for connection, a celebration of culture, and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together to create something extraordinary.

📘 This blog is adapted from an article originally published in Volume 4 of This is Cape Town magazine. Read or download the full magazine here.