Cape Town is a vibrant city of many cultures, from the Muslim population of Cape Malay to the Rastafarians and Trendies in the Bohemian capital of Observatory. The best way to immerse yourself in these Cape Town cultures is by attending one of the many festivals that celebrate the unique identity of the residents:

Cape Town Diwali Festival

Century City is the home to Cape Town’s Hindu population and during October the residents head to the area of Ratanga Junction to celebrate the Cape Town Diwali Festival, or the festival of lights. Fireworks and firecrackers go off throughout the night and the Hindu culture is celebrated through traditional dance and dramatic performances.

A market is set up on the street and visitors can sample traditional food and sticky Indian sweets made with rich condensed milk. You can also take part in therapy workshops and explore Eastern holistic therapies and healing workshops. Although Cape Town’s Diwali Festival isn’t as large as the Diwali festivities of Durban, they still make for an excellent day out culminating in fun bhangra dancing at night.

Cape Town Minstrel Festival – A Cape Malay Custom

The minstrels of Cape Town are long gone, but 100 years ago they arrived on American ocean liners to entertain the locals. Now they only appear in Cape Town once a year during January covered in facepaint and strumming their banjos. The minstrel festival is perhaps the most raucous in Cape Town and every year the New Year is celebrated in the Athlone area with dance, dramatics and extravagant parades.

The festival is very much a Cape Malay custom and features the Cape Malay comic song or moppie. The ghoema drum also features in the festivities and is associated with traditional Cape Malay music.

Cape Town Pride

The De Waterkant area is home to Cape Town’s gay community but when Cape Town Pride takes place it takes over the whole city. Cape Town Pride takes place during February and March and comprises of a series of fashion shows, sporting events and gay films. However, it’s the parties that take place during the carnival season. Cape Town Pride has taken place every year since 1994 when the clause allowing freedom of sexual orientation was born.

Cape Town Marimba Festival

The Marimba festival is the best place to explore Cape Town’s African heritage and celebrate African beats from Kenya to the coast. The Marimba is a vibrant African custom and you can hear some of Cape Town’s best bands whilst participating in some authentic local dancing. Every year the event is organised by Ross Johnson, who plays in the band AmaAmbush, and Ann Barr. The highlight comes at the end of the evening when 120 of the best bands take to the stage and play along together.

Cape Town Carnival

Although Cape Town’s communities may all have their own separate festivals and events, the Cape Town Carnival is when they all come together. The annual arts festival is a mix of international music, performing arts, comedy and visual installations. All the local attractions provide special events during March, when the festival is held, with late-openings at all the local museums and a series of theatrical and literary events around town.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Cape Town