The annual ‘voorsmaakie’ will give Cape Town a taste of what is tome come in the 2025 minstrel season.
Thousands of people will flock to the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racetrack for the sold out annual Hollywoodbets Kenilworth this weekend for the Kaapse Klopse’s ‘voorsmaakie’.
The ‘voorsmaakie’ is regarded as the official opener to the minstrel season and is the second biggest parade outside of Tweede Nuwe Jaar.
Audiences will be treated to performances by several of the Cape Minstrel Troupes comprising of around nearly 10 000 members ahead of the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade, which takes place next month.
The ‘voorsmaakie’ will also have family market and pop-up Klopse performances throughout the day, with a spectacular line-up of racing, including the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas.
For racing lovers, the day starts off with one of the country’s most prestigious horseracing events, the R2 million Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, a classic mile race renowned for spotlighting future stars of the track.
The event has attracted entries from across north and south headed up by boom colt, One Stripe, winner of the Gr 2 Cape Punters Cup three weeks earlier and the unbeaten Heather’s Boy from the Mike de Kock yard.
After the final race concludes, crowds will be blown away with a spectacle of colour and music as the 'voorsmakie’ kicks off.
Across Cape Town, teams have started tailoring their outfits and preparing for what is going to be yet another cracker of a minstrel season.
Washief Losper from the Tjommies Sporting Club said the team will be joining forces with Playaz Inc Minstrels to give Cape Town a show.
“Yes of course we are looking forward to it,” said the excited chairman.
“Everybody must be there because it’s going to be a spectacular show for all to see,” he said.