{"id":295367,"date":"2025-11-30T20:21:50","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T18:21:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/?p=295367"},"modified":"2025-12-01T12:52:07","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T10:52:07","slug":"cape-towns-annual-festive-lights-switch-on-draws-thousands-to-grand-parade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/cape-towns-annual-festive-lights-switch-on-draws-thousands-to-grand-parade\/","title":{"rendered":"Cape Town\u2019s annual Festive Lights Switch-On draws thousands to Grand Parade"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Thousands of Capetonians are gathered on the Grand Parade for the annual Festive Lights Switch-On event taking place tonight (Sunday 30 November). Over 80 000 people are expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The event is one of Cape Town\u2019s most meaningful traditions and marks the official start of the festive season. This year\u2019s theme is United in Hope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is donning his brand new community designed garment. Hill-Lewis said the event unites communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;This event really is where Capetonians come together from right across the city and turn the Grand Parade and Adderley Street into one big celebration of lights, music, friendship and everything that makes Cape Town the best city in the world \u2013 perfectly captured in this year\u2019s theme, \u201cUnited in Hope\u201d.&#8221;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WhatsAppImage2025-11_53024.jpeg\" alt=\"Mayor Geordin Hill Lewis donning his brand-new community designed garment with local singing sensation Kurt Darren. \"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis donning his brand new community designed garment with local singing sensation Kurt Darren. PHOTO: Kaylynne Bantom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-communities-unite\">Communities unite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hill-Lewis said the city is ready to welcome visitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ricardo MacKenzie, provincial minister for cultural affairs and sport said: &#8220;It is wonderful to see thousands of Capetonians wanting to come and experience this.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly this festive season. &#8220;Be safe. There are so many events happening around the City, look after yourself. Please get some rest. This was a difficult year.&#8221;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thousands of Capetonians are gathered on the Grand Parade for the annual Festive Lights Switch-On event taking place tonight (Sunday30 November). 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