With just over a month to go, organisers of one of Cape Town’s biggest annual events say the Cape Town Carnival is ready to bring the heART to the Green Point Fan Walk on Saturday 21 March.
On Thursday 12 February, organisers gave the media and other interested parties a behind-the-scenes glimpse of all the preparations at the Cape Town Carnival workshop in Mailtland.
Jay Douwes, Cape Town Carnival chief executive officer, said people can look forward to 10 beautifully handcrafted floats.
She organisers are excited to bring the 16th edition of the carnival to life.
ALSO READ: Cape Town Carnival returns to Green Point for 16th edition
Adding to the excitement, this year’s event spotlights 11 “Champions” from Cape Town’s creative scene, including singer Anslin Gysman, local actor Natasha van der Merwe, DJ Ready D, graffiti artist Rizah Potgieter, and designer Stephen van Eeden.
Tracey Carter, performance director, said there will be entertainment for the entire family.
“Some of our floats are already completed. Performers are getting ready with choreography, and costumes are almost done. We are getting ready to put on a show like Cape Town has never seen before.”
She said people can look forward to a celebration of diversity.
“We are telling the different stories of the creatives from Cape Town. As different as they are, that’s how different the pods are going to be. This year we will have our first Afrikaans pod. There will be something for everyone.”
Daphne Lodewyk has been a seamstress at the Cape Town Carnival workshop for the past 10 years.
She said with less than a month to go, she and her small team of three are working around the clock to complete over 1 000 costumes for the big day.
“We work as a team, and each person knows what to do. We still have a lot to do but the bulk of the work is finished.”
Lodewyk said she still gets excited despite doing this for the past decade.
“Every year the carnival is different. Different themes and different people. You meet a lot of people and make friends.”
She said on carnival day, they work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every performer looks dazzling.
“We are stationed in a tent, dressing each performer and doing alterations or fixing things.”
Prof Rachel Jaftha, chair of the Cape Town Carnival Trust, said: “We are excited because it’s just over a month to go. This year we are following our hearts. People will see amazing creativity as always and the joy on the faces of the people participating. Do not miss the amazing follow-your-heart journey with us.”
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, stressed the City’s unwavering commitment to the event.
“Thank you for bringing this event to our city each year. This event is about social cohesion. It’s about showing that there is much more that unite us than what divides us.”
