Minstrel Carnival
The history of the festival dates back to the mid 1800's when American minstrels visited the Cape with their Al Jolson-style black-painted faces and banjos. The Coloured community of Cape Town who themselves had just recently been emancipated from slavery, mimicked these performers, but in their case, painted their faces white, and sang merry but sarcastic songs, often ridiculing their former masters.
Today, the historical roots of the Carnival are all but forgotten. The Minstrel Carnival is more a celebration of life and a reflection of the naturally gregarious nature of the Cape's Coloured community. Recently the City of Cape Town has renamed the festival from "Coon Carnival" to the "Minstrel Carnival" presumably because the term "coon" has a derogatory connotation in for some people.
"Every New Year, thousands of minstrels take to the streets in a dazzling display of colourful satin uniforms, shiny parasols, painted faces and foot-tapping banjo tunes that accompany the traditional folk songs, many of Cape Malay origin"
The Minstrel Parade itself consists of over 10,000 singers dancers and musicians dressed in the most garish costumes imaginable. The Parade usually begins in District Six and / or Green Point Stadium. Dozens of out-of-tune brass bands merrily blare a cacophony of festive tunes across the City Bowl, accompanied by hundreds of dancers and encouraged by nearly ten's of thousands of cheering spectators that line the streets.
Mount Sierra
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
0km from
2.1 Km from Minstrel CarnivalMount Sierra apartments offers self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Located in the heart of Cape Town it will delight you with its numerous award-winning restaurants, galleries, shops and tourist sites. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
5 Camp Street
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
0km from
2.1 Km from Minstrel Carnival5 Camp Street provides self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Ideally situated in the central, trendy and historic suburb of Gardens, on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Within easy walking distance of Kloof Street... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Liberty Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Cape Town
0km from
2.4 Km from Minstrel CarnivalLiberty Lodge provides guests with bed and breakfast accommodation in Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Over the years, this classic Cape Town bed & breakfast has earned an enviable reputation for relaxed and genuine hospitality. Originally a V …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hastings Hall
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
0km from
2.4 Km from Minstrel CarnivalHastings Hall provides self catering apartment accommodation in Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Surround yourself with the beauty of Table Mountain and Lion's Head, and put yourself in the perfect position to get to see everything that... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Beach Villa
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Atlantic Seaboard (Cape Town)
0km from
2.7 Km from Minstrel CarnivalBeach Villa apartment provides self catering accommodation in Mouille Point, Cape Town City Bowl. Beach Villa, is a spacious two bedroomed self catering apartment with stunning sea and mountain views and within walking distance to the Mouille Point beach …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Green Point Self Catering Studio
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Atlantic Seaboard (Cape Town)
0km from
2.9 Km from Minstrel CarnivalGreen Point Self Catering Studio provides visitors with self catering accommodation in Green Point, Cape Town City Bowl. We offer 2 self catering studios. Green Point Self Catering Studio 1 (sleeps max two) is a tastefully renovated self-catering studio.. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Barry Hall Apartments
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fresnaye
0km from Fresnaye
3.8 Km from Minstrel CarnivalBarry Hall is located in the leafy suburb of Fresnaye on the Atlantic Seaboard. The 4 large apartments and garden cottage are offer free Wi-Fi as well as friendly daily service, weekdays leaves you free to enjoy Cape Town and all its beauty. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Riviera Suites
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Sea Point
0km from Sea Point
3.9 Km from Minstrel CarnivalRiviera Suites is suitable for both family holidays and business stays and offers a variety of configurations, from compact two sleepers to the spacious eight-sleeper apartments. All the apartments feature full kitchens... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Cape Town
0km from
4.2 Km from Minstrel CarnivalThe Grande Kloof is a privately owned and operated accommodation establishment offering both Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering options in a great holiday location within the upmarket residential area of Fresnaye, on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
7A Clifton Steps
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Clifton
0km from Clifton
4.9 Km from Minstrel CarnivalA beautifully appointed garden self-catering 2 bedroom apartment on Clifton Steps. Ideally situated - just a short taxi ride from Camps Bay to one side and to the other side, all that the Mother City has to offer. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Cape Town Cycle Tour (0.33km)
- Community Chest Twilight Team Run (0.37km)
- Cape Town International Jazz Festival (0.41km)
- Destinations Expo (0.41km)
- Tourism Business Conference (0.41km)
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- Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Showcase (0.42km)
- Cape Town International Boat Show (0.42km)
- SEXPO Cape Town - Health, Sexuality and Lifestyle Expo (0.43km)
- RMB WineX (0.43km)
- Cape Town International Convention Centre (0.43km)
- Cape Homemakers Expo (0.44km)
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- Sign Africa & Africa Print Roadshow (0.45km)
- Cape Town International Ballet Competition (0.45km)
- Cape Gourmet Festival (0.45km)
- Schools Arts Festival (0.45km)
- Intervitis Interfructa (0.46km)
- Creative Week Cape Town (0.46km)
- FNB Whisky Live Festival (0.47km)
