The Tweede Nuwe Jaar
or second New Year celebration in Cape Town – South Africa is both a
celebration of life and a commemoration of the pains of the chains of endured slavery.
It is one of my favourite cultural events to attend to in the city.
As usual, thousands
of family arrived the day before, on New Year day and set up tents and shops
beside the procession route, all along Darling street, Adderley Street, Wale Street, then Rose Street in the historic
Bo-Kaap. They came from all over the Western Cape Province, united by the
history of the “cape coloured” people and the Afrikaans language. The people here
are made up of everything that South Africa has to offer as races and cultures.
In every family here, you will always find a man or a woman of Khoisan, dark African,
Caucasian, Indian, Malaysian, Chinese and/or many other origins. As a result
they tend to be a very welcoming folk; especially during the occasion of the Coons
festival, when the cheer is at its utmost and some typical occupations are put
on hold.
Kaapse Klopse are always such a fun to watch in their colourful and shiny attires, the grim faces they show, the funny dance moves they display and the loud and crazy music they play.
Kaapse Klopse are always such a fun to watch in their colourful and shiny attires, the grim faces they show, the funny dance moves they display and the loud and crazy music they play.
This year seemed “younger” than all the others. I have seen
little ones making dance moves in parades before, but not this many. I somehow
noticed a generational shift with a few old performers usually at the back of troops,
then much younger performers (mostly teenagers) and finally lots of baby
performers. I must say that they are my favourites: they are so cute.Happy New Year 2016!!
