CEO of the Cape Town Carnival Jay Douwes says this year’s event was not only about entertainment but about bringing the issues facing the country to light.
“We spent the year workshopping with all the 50 communities that are participating to really unpack what it means? Who do we need wake up? How do we become present to what’s going on in our lives and take control of it? To explore our individuality, shake off our negative beliefs and see what we can do to shine the light in our communities and in our own lives.”
The Carnival has attracted young and old who have come out in their numbers for one of the biggest events on the city’s social calendar on Saturday.
This year’s theme was VUKA UKHANYE which means Rise and Shine.
More than 2 000 costumed performers musicians, floats and giant puppets entertained spectators.
One resident says this is an event that cannot be missed.
“Every year, I am at this festival with my whole family, I come out to have a nice joyful day. I really like the carnival because it’s nice and excitement you see like the different stuff. It’s Cape Town and we should embrace what we have got here and we are in the top ten cities in the world and this is so awesome to see everyone come out and push the name out there.”
Yup. Cape Town carnival was awesome again this year. #CapeTownCarnival2019 pic.twitter.com/nKewMq8YqT
— GryphenwolfAD (@gryphenwolf1) March 16, 2019
Watch: The Cape Town Carnival is a key component of nation-building & social cohesion because it is a way of bringing people together & helping them to form new bonds built on love, peace & mutual respect for one another no matter their differences. #CTcarnival2019 pic.twitter.com/MwjGGaZGvp
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) March 16, 2019
