The Cape Town Carnival returns after a two-year break

The fabulous Cape Town Carnival is set to return on 19 March, after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions.

Usually taking place every year in March, the Cape Town Carnival last occurred in 2019, which also just happened to have been its 10-year anniversary. This year, after a two-year absence, the carnival will return to the city on 19 March – with a few changes.

This year’s carnival follows a new format, with five themed hubs placed around the city centre.

According to Travel News, from 14:30 to 21:30, each of the five Carnival Hub will host consecutive shows celebrating the different cultures and stories of Cape Town, with a clean-up and sanitisation in between each show.

“Visitors curate their own experience as they move between five distinct outdoor Carnival Hubs across the city. They get to explore the city, its streets, restaurants and galleries, while enjoying vibrant performances, installations and attractions.” explains Jay Douwes, CEO of the Cape Town Carnival.

Each of the Hubs will be located at five city landmarks. Guests can view the Mountain of Memories at Hatfield Street Hub, check out the Cultural Roots at the National Gallery Hub, learn about the Tales of Camissa at the SA Museum Hub, attend The Drum Era at the Green Market Hub, and stop by the show at the Heritage Square Hub.

Each hub will be able to accommodate between 2 000 and 4 500 attendees, depending on the size of each location. Another change to the Carnival this year is the introduction of purchased tickets.

Each attendee will have to buy a R10 ticket to enter a show at a Hub. This R10 ticket gives each person access to only one show at one hub, so it will ultimately cost R50 to experience all five Hubs. Tickets are available online at Webtickets, at Pick n Pay, or at the venue on the day.

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