Cape Town is set to come alive this March as the city gears up for the highly anticipated 2025 Cape Town Carnival.
Marking its 15th anniversary, the Carnival promises to be a spectacular event, bigger and better than ever before, Cape Town Etc reports.
On 15th March 2025, the Green Point Fan Walk will transform into a vibrant celebration of music, dance, art, and culture as both local and international stars join forces to dazzle the Mother City.
This year, festival goers can expect to see not only hundreds of talented South African performers but also exciting new faces parading through the streets. For the first time in the Carnival’s history, the iconic DHL Stormers rugby team will bring their electrifying energy to the event with their dedicated float, ‘Taking the Cape by Storm’. It’s a major moment for the Carnival, and fans of the Stormers can’t wait to see their heroes in action.
In addition, the event will welcome Brazilian actress and performer Erika Januza, who will bring the international flair of the Rio Carnival’s ‘Queen of the Drums’ to the streets of Cape Town. As a celebrated performer from the world’s largest carnival, Januza’s involvement promises to infuse the event with a touch of Brazilian rhythm and energy.
‘WowZA!’ – The theme for 2025
At the official launch event on 16th January, the chairperson of the Cape Town Carnival Trust, Professor Rachel Jafta, revealed the theme for 2025: ‘WowZA!’.
This theme, she explained, reflects the joy and unity that the Carnival fosters, bringing people together to celebrate South Africa’s incredible creativity and culture.
“When you come to the Cape Town Carnival, you see what South Africa can be. You see people from all over coming together to have fun and to tell and create stories through different formats like dance, music, performances, art and beautiful costumes.”
“For me, that is worth celebrating, as it is a moment that makes you say ‘Wow, South Africa’ – which is where our theme of WowZA! originates from, “Rachel said.
A milestone celebration
Cape Town Carnival CEO, Jay Douwes, highlighted the event’s impact over the years, emphasising its role in celebrating community-based creativity.
“15 incredible years celebrating community-based creativity and culture – if you haven’t been to Greenpoint in March, you haven’t experienced the most life-affirming event of the year,” he remarked.
Geordin Hill-Lewis, executive mayor of the City of Cape Town, also celebrated the carnival’s growing success. Speaking at the launch, he said:
“The Cape Town Carnival is an important event in the cultural calendar of the City of Cape Town as it brings people out of their homes to enjoy a public space alongside the whole city. This year is the first time it will be the Cape Town Carnival in what is now officially the world’s best city. So, Rio, eat your heart out because Cape Town is the best city in the world.”
A platform for local talent
This year’s carnival promises to be more than just a parade; it’s an opportunity for local artists to shine on a global stage. Minister of the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport Ricardo McKenzie affirmed his department’s continued support for events that showcase the best of the city.
“We love this city, and we love this province, and we will continue to proudly support events that promote the world’s greatest city,’ McKenzie said.
Dumisani Chabalala, manager of Cultural Events at the National Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, praised the Carnival’s role in creating opportunities for emerging artists.
“The Cape Town Carnival has been amazing in delivering job creation and supporting the production of locally developed content, which we believe is very important. It is quite critical that we give unknown artists a platform, which is what the Cape Town Carnival does,” he said.
More than just an event
The Cape Town Carnival continues to reflect the heart and soul of Cape Town, said Litlhare Moteetee, head of Corporate Affairs at Multichoice.
“The Cape Town Carnival is more than just an event; it is a platform for stories. It reflects the heart of Cape Town, the soul of South Africa, and the dream of communities. The magic of the Carnival is also what goes on behind the scenes, as the Carnival creates jobs, empowers local talent, and fosters a sense of belonging,” Litlhare commented.
“The theme this year is WowZA! and it couldn’t be more fitting. It is a call to celebrate our creativity, our boldness and our ability to dazzle the world. A reminder that South Africa is a place of boundless talent, and the Carnival is a platform to showcase it.”
A not-to-be-missed event
As the Cape Town Carnival continues to grow, it remains one of the city’s most beloved events.
With an incredible line-up of performers, special guests, and a celebration of the best South African talent, the 2025 Carnival is set to be a must-see event for both locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re attending for the music, the costumes, or the chance to witness the vibrant culture of Cape Town, this year’s Carnival will undoubtedly be one for the books.
First published by Cape Town Etc
Compiled by Murray Swarts
Also see: The year of consistency? Here are celebs who continue to chase their gym goals | Bona Magazine
