Die Kaapse Klopse!

Talking of Public Holidays (well I was a while ago!), remember I mentioned 'Tweede Nuwejaar' or second New Year on January 2? That is the day that hosts one of the most unique and colourful events in Cape Town's year. The 'Kaapse Klopse' or 'Cape Minstrel Carnival' is rooted deep in Cape Town's history and is traditionally the day when brightly costumed troupes take to the streets to entertain the crowds and to compete against each other. The specially designed costumes are hand made from satin and silk and can cost up to R350 each! The brighter the better though, and prizes are awarded for costumes, choirs and bands. The member’s ages range from 5 years to 80 years, and while the older members usually make the music, the younger ones dance and sing. The leader of the troupe must be agile enough to walk and dance in front and keep the pace going for hours!

Thanks to Ricardo Kleine News 24

Apparently the tradition dates back to the early 1700's when groups of slaves would have the day after New Year off and would gather for song and dance. Apart from African origin, the slaves were also from Madagascar, India and Indonesia. The costumes and painted faces were further inspired by groups of African-American minstrels who docked in Cape Town in the late 1800's and who entertained the sailors with singing and dancing. One of the popular songs that epitomises the carnival and is sung every year is 'Daar kom die Alabama', the Alabama being the name of a ship. (Interestingly, the Alabama was known as 'Hull 290', as she was built in secrecy in 1862 by British shipbuilders for the Confederate States Navy. In 1863 she visited Cape Town for refitting and reprovisioning.)

But, as usual, I digress! This year, 2 January 2012, over 70 troupes and bands (involving several thousand participants), started off at Keizersgracht, marched and played their way into Darling Street, Adderly Street and ended at Castle and Rose Streets. Spectators lined the streets, bringing chairs, food, drink and umbrellas for shade, and spent the day being entertained by the sight, and singing along with the choirs. It didn't seem to matter that the whole thing started several hours late, we are very relaxed here in the Cape!

Ricardo Kleine News 24

Some of the members of the troupes have taken part every year for over 30 years and entire families can be involved. Serious practising starts in April where new routines and dance steps are introduced, and new members are measured for costumes. It really does involve entire communities, some as far away as Wellington and Malmesbury and the troupes are made up of doctors, accountants and teachers to name but a few.

Ricardo Kleine News 24

At the end of the day, everybody heads home, weary and footsore. I bet they wish that January 3 was a 'Derde Nuwejaar' (Third New Year) to recover from the day before! Maybe, one day!