Cape Town Carnival dry run at Killarney

The costumes are sewn, the glitter on hand and the groups geared up to entertain the city at the 2024 Cape Town Carnival.

During a dry run by the organising team, at the Killarney International Raceway last week Saturday, March 2, community groups, lead performers, artists and artisans were in jovial spirits, waving flags and dancing in sync to African traditional dance, belly dancing, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, oriental and Indian music.

The carnival will take place on Saturday March 16 on the Fan Walk in Green Point. Floats and performers will make their way from the start point on the corner of Somerset Road where the Green Point circle is to the end point at Somerset Road and Chiappini Street.

Carnival villages open at 3pm. The parade opening is at 6pm and the after party, from 9pm till 11.45pm.

Marketing manager Genevieve Langenhoven said the carnival started with 17 000 spectators in 2010, and now draws crowds of up to 51 000.

This years theme, “Lekker”, brings a mix of culture, creativity, beauty and fun. There are 10 pods that consist of 10 floats, with more than 1400 performers dressed in colourful costumes.

“Lekker is not just a word, it’s a feeling. It encapsulates the pride we have for our nation and embraces the diversity of us as a people. Everyone can relate to Lekker! It is fun and with everything we have all been through these past years, we need it!” she said.

Somerset Street will be closed from noon on Saturday March 16 until 1am on Sunday March 17. For more road closures, visit the https://capetowncarnival.com/media/