It’s an exciting day in Cape Town today, being the second New Year’s Day and proclaimed as a public holiday, the city showing its colourful side with two events.
The traditional Tweede Nuwe Jaar Cape Minstrel Carnival takes to the streets between Bo-Kaap and the Grand Parade this afternoon, with thousands of minstrels expected to participate in the procession. Kaapse Klopse troops wear colourful satin outfits, don hats, swirl umbrellas to match their outfits, play the banjo and other instruments, and sing traditional songs. Participants are Cape Malays, and they celebrate life and the New Year. The Carnival opening ceremony is at the Grand Parade opposite the City Hall, a few meters from Labotessa, at 10h30. Many city centre roads will be closed today.
This afternoon the 2023 Cape2Rio Yacht Race launches from the Royal Cape Yacht Club in the Cape Town Harbour. The Cape to Rio Race celebrates its 50th anniversary, taking place in 1971 for the first time. Monohull and Multihull yachts compete. It is hailed as a ‘bucket list’ ocean race this year, attracting top-level yacht owners and crews. Depending on the weather, it can take the yachts between 12 – 30 days to complete the race to Rio de Janeiro.
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel…….’like no other in Cape Town’.
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel, 5 Church Square, Parliament Street, Cape Town. Tel (021) 010-6600 www.labotessa.com