The spirit of unity took over Cape Town as the 16th Cape Town Carnival turned Human Rights Day into a vibrant showcase of local talent and cultural pride.
Music, dance and dazzling displays filled the Green Point Fan Walk on Saturday 21 March as thousands flocked to the event to witness the spectacle.
Tracey Carter, carnival performance director, said over 1 200 performers took part in the festivities.
“Every year we say not again. But then we do it. We do this for Cape Town. When they come out to see the performers, it feels good. We had some challenges with the wind, but it all came together beautifully.”
With this year’s theme, “Follow your heART”, the event featured the artistic energy of 12 “Carnival Champions” from the city’s creative community.
The Champions included singer Zolani Mahola who performed on the Uvuyo float, a celebration of joy, culture and the power of voice to unite a nation.
Artist Anslin Gysman and actress Natasha van der Merwe wowed the crowd with classic local songs from the Trap vir Trap float.
Activist Nyaniso Tutu-Burris featured on the Amandla float, a tribute to South Africa. Media personality Dylan Majavie also wowed the crowd on the transformation-themed float, Morph.
Providing yet another high note was Cape Town legend DJ Ready D and graffiti artist Rizah Potgieter on the BPM: Beats | Paint | Move float.
Blending tradition with innovation, a new addition this year was the procession of modernised cars, adding a new highlight for the crowd.
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Jay Douwes, Carnival Chief Executive Officer, said: “We called them our Champions because they have voluntarily and proudly been part of the process of telling their stories and inspiring carnival participants to follow their dreams. Their excitement to be part of the carnival has been inspiring.”
Prof Rachel Jafta, chair of the Cape Town Carnival Trust, said the performers put their “hearts, soul and bodies” into bringing this spectacle to life.
Media personality Dylan Majavie wowed the crowd on the float about transformation, Morph. PHOTO: KAYLYNNE BANTOM 
The WP Media team, consisting of People’s Post and our sister titles, City Vision and Tygerburger, kitted in their newspaper outfits. PHOTO: SUPPLIED 
One of the floats from the Chinese Community. PHOTO: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
“We are about community, human connection, joy and creating something magnificent… we feel so honoured to be able to bring this event to the heart of Cape Town every year.”
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, said the carnival was one of over 30 events that took place across the city this past weekend.
“This is one of the most diverse and inclusive events in Cape Town. A lot of planning and logistics goes into it. Thank you to the organisers, and special thank you to the fireman and law enforcement officers who has been going to the gym all year to be part of the eye candy.”
ALSO READ: Cape Town Carnival ready to bring the ‘HeART’ to Green Point
