Capetonians came out in their thousands on 21 March to marvel at the incredible spectacle of the annual Cape Town Carnival and celebrate with the communities that tell the varied stories of South Africa.
As has become tradition, the year’s spectacular free street party started with crowd favourites the Fire Fighters and Law Enforcement Officers showing some impressive muscle, followed by the Harley Davidsons revving our motors.
Hosts Carl Wastie and Cassidy Nicholson then led the official opening of the 16th Cape Town Carnival. This signalled the go ahead for out-of-this-world floats and 50 performance groups from communities across the City to make their way down Green Point’s Somerset Street.
With the 2026 theme of “Follow your heART”, this year’s event featured the artistic energy of 12 “Carnival Champions” from the city’s creative community.
Besides providing their artistic input for the event, a number of the Champions featured in the parade itself. Singer Zolani Mahola performed on the Uvuyo float, a celebration of joy, culture and the power of voice to unite a nation. Anslin Gysman and 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 beautiful tribute to South Africa, and media personality Dylan Majavie wowed the crowd on the float about transformation, 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.
“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,” says Carnival CEO Jay Douwes, “We want the public to see themselves in these very local, but incredible talents.”
They were joined by Siv Ngesi, Miss Universe South Africa 2025 Melissa Nayimuli, and the Kfm 94.5 duo of Wastie and Nicholson. “We are about community, human connection, joy and creating something magnificent. Our performers put their hearts, soul and bodies into bringing us this amazing spectacle, and we feel so honoured to be able to bring this event to the heart of Cape Town every year,” adds Prof Rachel Jafta, Chair of the Cape Town Carnival Trust.
