Home - Cape Town Carnival

With the WowZA! carnival having happened in March 2025 – watch this space for information about Cape Town Carnival 2026...

Cape Town Carnival 2025!

WowZA! What a fabulous celebration of Cape Town - blending imagination, creativity, and our South African spirit. Each float, group of performers and our amazing special guests showcased the magic of community, culture, and our vibrant energy.

This year, we turned up the joy, laughter, and fun with a touch of glamour, all wrapped in the wonder of the Mother City. We honoured Cape Town, South Africa, and the incredible journey we've had!

We hope that you enjoyed our celebration of 15 incredible years of unforgettable moments and magic in the best city in the world!

Read More

Interested in being part of the 2026 Carnival as a community group?

Read More

Interested in being part of the 2026 Carnival as an individual lead performer?

Read More

Interested in hiring an artwork, costume, specialised performer, or group?

Read More

Interested in being a vendor?

Read More

A huge thank you to our wonderful, supportive sponsors and partners, who have helped make this new dream a reality.

Would you like to make a difference and be part of our amazing community?

Click Here

Follow Us

@capetowncarnival

🙏 🎉 Celebration Ceremony! 🥳 Swipe throug

🙏 🎉 Celebration Ceremony! 🥳

Swipe through our photographs to relive the magic of our Celebration Ceremony, where we came together to say THANK YOU to everyone who makes the Cape Town Carnival all that it is! 💖

From community groups, performers, artists, artisans, crew, sponsors, and our amazing audiences - YOU brought the joy, the energy, and the colour that made #WowZA2025 truly unforgettable! 🌈🎭🎶

To everyone who supported us - we thank you and can’t wait to do it all again in 2026! 🚀🎉

A huge shoutout to @SouthernSunCapeSun for hosting us and for the delicious food, and to @CocaColaPenBev for the refreshing drinks! 🥤

The full album is on Facebook. ⭐

📸 Take a look and do tag your friends if you spot them!
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #wowza #thankyou❤️ #capetown #carnivalfamily #capetowncarnival2025 #celebrationceremony #communityevent #15yearsofcarnival #southernsun #cocacolapenbev #southernsuncapesun

@southernsunhotels @cocacolapenbev
@citysightseeingsa

📷 @ohoneshot_media

🙏 🎉 What a celebration! 🥳 The Celebrati

🙏 🎉 What a celebration! 🥳

The Celebration Ceremony is our way of saying thank you to everyone who makes the Cape Town Carnival all that it is! We say thank you to community groups, performers, artists, artisans, crew, team, sponsors, and of course, everyone who came out, cheered us on, and brought your own joy and energy to the streets 💖🌈🎶.

Our 2025 theme, WowZA! truly lived up to its name – bringing joy, creativity, colour, connection, and so many unforgettable moments 📸✨.

To everyone who helped make it happen (on stage, behind the scenes, and in the crowd) – we see you, we thank you and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2026! 🚀🎉

Gratitude to @southernsuncapesun for hosting us and keeping us fed, and to @cocacolapenbev for the refreshments! 🥤
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #wowza #ThankYou #capetown #carnivalfamily #capetowncarnival2025 #celebrationceremony #communityevent #15yearsofcarnival

Music
WowZA! Tracey Carter (feat. Brie Lee & Paxton)

📷 @ohoneshot_media

@southernsunhotels @tracey_carter_music @mynameis_brie_lee @paxtonfielies_

🌟🔥 Star Power. Street Swagger. Cape Town Sty

🌟🔥 Star Power. Street Swagger. Cape Town Style with Bravo le Roux! 🔥🔥🌟

The #WowZA! Cape Town Carnival lit up with next-level energy as the Star Pod exploded with style, rhythm and raw talent from the incredible performers who were joined by Cape Town’s own Bravo Le Roux! 🚀🎤

From bars that hit hard to a presence that OWNED the street, Bravo brought that unfiltered flair and streetwise swagger that had the crowd vibing from start to finish. 🏆🎶

Cape Town, you showed up. This was more than a performance. It was a celebration of local excellence and the power of proudly owning your light. 💫💥

The incredible groups
• Ilanga Elihle Youth Project
• Rainbow Academy Performing Arts
• Tenacity Movement

Lead performers
• Mxolisi Gontsana
• Aphelele Sobetwa
• Carlene Slayters
• Mihlali Mayezi
• Liyema Ndibi aka Brie Lee

For the full album please see our Facebook Page. 💜

📸 See someone you know? Tag them in the comments below! 👇

Huge thank you to our incredible sponsors! 💛🎶🙌
@cityofct
@multichoice_group
@sa_nlc
@news24
@netwerk_24
@artsculturesa
@kfmza
@southernsunhotels
@wcgovcas
@peoplespostnewspaper
@tygerburger
City Vision Live
@tractoroutdoor
@youmagazinesa
@huisgenoot
@drum_magazine
@kuiertydskrif
@viatv
@discoverctwc
@okushaldrinks
@cocacolapenbev
@citysightseeingsa
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #wowza #celebratecapetown #carnivalmagic #diversityinmotion #capetownvibes #carnivalenergy #carnivalvibes #capetowncarnival2025 #performers #community #carnivalmagic #unitythroughcreativity #starpod #bravoleroux
#hiphopheritage #shinebright

@events_capetown @_ilanga.elihle @therainbowacademysa @tenacitymovement @mxolisigontsana @aphelele_sobetwa @carlenedancesa @mihlalimayezi @mynameis_brie_lee

🌅🎤 Sunset, Sound and Soul at the #WowZA! Cap

🌅🎤 Sunset, Sound and Soul at the #WowZA! Cape Town Carnival 🎤✨

After the golden rays of Sunset had happened, we were delighted to re-live the moment with the Sunset Pod! This was a moment to remember — and at the heart of it all was Cape Town’s shining star, Paxton Fielies! 🌟

Her voice soared through the streets, wrapping the crowd in warmth, power, and pure local pride, reminding us why homegrown talent hits different. 💛🎶

It was a celebration of the magical moment and memories that sunset offers us all – and a sunset that we’ll never forget. 💃🔥

The incredible groups
• Aphrodite Belly Dance Studio
• Metro South Schools
• Zandile Dance and Youth Development
• Umthombo
• Steenberg High
• Emanate

Lead performers
• Diana Ocholla
• Tameka Stephanus
• Zandile Dumile

For the full album please see our Facebook Page. 💜

📸 Catch your fave moments in our photo album. See someone you know? Tag them in the comments below! 👇

Huge thank you to our incredible sponsors!🙏❤️
@cityofct
@multichoice_group
@sa_nlc
@artsculturesa
@news24
@netwerk_24
@kfmza
@southernsunhotels
@wcgovcas
@peoplespostnewspaper
@tygerburger
City Vision Live
@tractoroutdoor
@youmagazinesa
@huisgenoot
@drum_magazine
@kuiertydskrif
@viatv
@discoverctwc
@okushaldrinks
@cocacolapenbev
@citysightseeingsa
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #wowza #paxton #celebratecapetown #celebratecapetown #carnivalmagic #diversityinmotion #capetownvibes #carnivalenergy #carnivalvibes #capetowncarnival2025 #performers #community #unitythroughcreativity #goldenhourglow

@events_capetown
@zandiledance_youthdevelopment

💋🔥 The fabulous Queens of Cape Town – The

💋🔥 The fabulous Queens of Cape Town – The DRAG CARTEL! 🔥💋

With sky-high heels, flawless flair, and unapologetic pride, The Drag Cartel lit up the Cape Town Carnival parade like only they can! 🌈✨

From sequin glam to bold, brilliant moves, these queens brought the sass and left no doubt that the spirit of self-expression is alive and thriving in the Mother City! 💃🏽💅🏽👑

Thank you to these powerhouse performers for showing us all how to walk tall, shine bright, and be who we are. You made #WowZA! unforgettable! 🔥

🎭 Let us know which queen had your favourite look in the comments! 💖
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #wowza #queensontherunway #fierceandfearless #celebratecapetown #carnivalpride #borntoshine #dragexcellence #carnivalenergy #carnivalvibes #capetowncarnival2025 #thedragcartel #sunsassspectacle

@thedragcartel
@maxinewildmua
@dee_blogging
Diamanteeclipse
@valentina_petronella
@le_baby_lecap
@emogenmoore
@berlin_eclipse

@events_capetown @lovecapetown

🏖️🌈 Sun, Sass and Spectacle! 🌈🏖️

🏖️🌈 Sun, Sass and Spectacle! 🌈🏖️

Our Beaches Pod brought the heat, heart and fun to the streets at the #WowZA! Cape Town Carnival! Taking us straight to the beautiful Cape Town beaches – this pod was brought to life by dazzling performers and the colourful beach hut float. 🌊✨

🌟 Serving sun-kissed sass with EXTRA sparkle, the phenomenal Drag Cartel turned up the fabulous and turned heads all the way down the Fan Walk! 💃🔥

The incredible groups
• Eoan Group
• Roots
• Bemur Gymnastics and Dance

Lead performers
• Nicole Lodewyks
• Enrique Booysen
• Lexi Jacobs

For the full album please see our Facebook Page. 💜

📸 Catch your fave moments in our photo album. See someone you know? Tag them in the comments below! 👇

Huge thank you to our incredible sponsors!🙏❤️
@cityofct
@multichoice_group
@sa_nlc
@news24
@netwerk_24
@artsculturesa
@kfmza
@southernsunhotels
@wcgovcas
@peoplespostnewspaper
@tygerburger
City Vision Live
@tractoroutdoor
@youmagazinesa
@huisgenoot
@drum_magazine
@kuiertydskrif
@viatv
@discoverctwc
@okushaldrinks
@cocacolapenbev
@citysightseeingsa
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #wowza #beaches #thedragcartel #SunSassSpectacle #celebratecapetown #proudlycapetown #carnivalmagic #diversityinmotion #capetownvibes #carnivalenergy #carnivalvibes #capetowncarnival2025 #performers #community #carnivalmagic

@thedragcartel
@maxinewildmua
@dee_blogging
@Diamanteeclipse
@valentina_petronella
@le_baby_lecap
@emogenmoore
@berlin_eclipse

@events_capetown

🎉✨ Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Cape Town

🎉✨ Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Cape Town with the Chinese Community at Cape Town Carnival! 🏮 🐉

Take a look at the incredibly rich traditions and captivating performances that were on display at the WowZA! carnival. The Cape Town Chinese Community came together to showcase the beauty of their culture. A highlight for so many spectators was the amazing fire Dragon! What was your favourite? 🎇🐲

🌈💥Thank you to the Cape Town Chinese Community Group! 🌟

Do take a look on Facebook for our full album.

🌿 See someone you know? Tag them in the comments below! 👇

Huge thank you to our incredible sponsors! 🙏💜
@cityofct
@multichoice_group
@sa_nlc
@news24
@netwerk_24
@artsculturesa
@kfmza
@southernsunhotels
@wcgovcas
@peoplespostnewspaper
@tygerburger
City Vision
@tractoroutdoor
@youmagazinesa
@huisgenoot
@drum_magazine
@kuiertydskrif
@viatv
@discoverctwc
@okushaldrinks
@cocacolapenbev
@citysightseeingsa
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #wowza #carnival #chinesecommunity #unityindiversity #culturalcelebration #streetparty #carnivalvibes #capetownevents #globalculture #capetowncarnival2025 #creativity #performers #carnivalvibes #community #carnivalmagic

@capetownhuaxing

🎉✨ Get ready for a taste of Cape Town’s ico

🎉✨ Get ready for a taste of Cape Town’s iconic style with the Gatsby pod at the WowZA! Cape Town Carnival! 🌟🌈

🎤🎧 Featuring an epic lineup of special guests: YoungstaCPT, DJ Ready D, Liezel van der Westhuizen, and Carl Wastie! These legends brought their unique energy and vibrant personalities to the Carnival, all riding on a super large Gatsby float that was as bold and unforgettable as they are! 💥🚤

From the beats to the style, the Gatsby pod is a true celebration of the Mother City’s fun and creative spirit! 💚🔥

The incredible groups 🐠
• ISA Mother City Rollers
• 021_Rebels
• Intsika Zeqonga Arts Group
• Forte Wolfe

Lead performers
• Yolanda Ntanyana
• Sinalo Vakala
• Anele Dumile
• Thomas Petersen

For the full album please see our Facebook Page. 💙

🌿 See someone you know? Tag them in the comments below! 👇

Huge thank you to our incredible sponsors!🙏💜
@cityofct
@multichoice_group
@sa_nlc
@news24
@netwerk_24
@artsculturesa
@kfmza
@southernsunhotels
@wcgovcas
@peoplespostnewspaper
@tygerburger
City Vision Live
@tractoroutdoor
@youmagazinesa
@huisgenoot
@kuiertydskrif
@drum_magazine
@viatv
@discoverctwc
@okushaldrinks
@cocacolapenbev
@citysightseeingsa
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #wowza #gatsby #youngstacpt #djreadyd #liezelvanderwesthuizen #carlwastie #capetownvibes #carnivalenergy #kfm #carnivalvibes #capetowncarnival2025 #performers #CommunitySpirit #carnivalmagic

@youngstacpt @djreadyd @liezelonline @carlwastie

🇿🇦✨ Celebrating the spirit of Freedom Day!

🇿🇦✨ Celebrating the spirit of Freedom Day! 🌍💫

Today, let’s reflect on our journey, the freedom gained, and the future we’re building together. Happy Freedom Day, Carnivalista’s! 🙌🏽💚
.
.
.
.
.
.
#FreedomDay #SouthAfrica #UnityInDiversity #Democracy #CelebrateFreedom #SouthAfricanSpirit #ProudlySouthAfrican #unity #equality

🌊✨ Dive into the soul of Cape Town with the C

🌊✨ Dive into the soul of Cape Town with the Camissa pod at the WowZA! Cape Town Carnival! 🎉🌍

Inspired by the iconic waters of the Mother City, Camissa celebrates the deep connection between Cape Town’s rivers and its people. From the flowing rivers to the vibrant culture, this pod pays tribute to the life and spirit that Cape Town’s waters bring to the city. 🌊💫

The incredible groups 🐠
• Bulumko High Traditional Dancers
• Devolution Dance Fam
• Intsha Dance Group
• Western Province Inclusivity Performing Arts Academy
• Is'thatha Dance Project

Lead performers
• Zimkitha Hoshe
• Ivy Thandiwe John
• Shamieg George

For the full album please see our Facebook Page. 💙

🌿 See someone you know? Tag them in the comments below! 👇

Huge thank you to our incredible sponsors!🙏💜
@cityofct
@sa_nlc
@news24
@netwerk_24
@artsculturesa
@kfmza
@southernsunhotels
@wcgovcas
@peoplespostnewspaper
@tygerburger
City Vision
@tractoroutdoor
@youmagazinesa
@huisgenoot
@drum_magazine
@kuiertydskrif
@viatv
@discoverctwc
@okushaldrinks
@cocacolapenbev
@citysightseeingsa
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #wowza #camissa #capetownspirit #mothercityvibes #riversofcapetown #natureandculture #carnivalvibes #capetowncarnival2025 #performers #community #CarnivalMagic

🎭✨ The Afro-Rio subpod brought the energy wit

🎭✨ The Afro-Rio subpod brought the energy with giant puppets - Mandilakhe Gwavu and Jayden Hanekom and the incredible groups Avondale Majorettes, and the Fit Boots South Afrika Community!

Their skill and teamwork showed something completely different and lit up the Carnival! 🌟🔥
.
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #afrorio #giantpuppets #avondalemajorettes #kangoobounce #carnivalvibes #culturalcelebration #capetowncarnival2025 #wowza #fitbootssouthafrika #fitboots #bouncyboots

💃🏾🌍 Get ready to relive the rhythm with t

💃🏾🌍 Get ready to relive the rhythm with the Afro-Rio pod at the WowZA! Cape Town Carnival, featuring the incredible Erika Januza! 🎉✨

A stunning fusion of African and Brazilian culture, this pod celebrates the vibrant energy of Rio and the soulful beats of Africa. Erika Januza brought her electrifying presence to the parade, adding even more fire to this cultural celebration and showing us why she held the title of Rio Carnival’s Queen of Drums for three years! 🔥💥

From the dazzling costumes to the rhythmic beats, the Afro-Rio pod was a whirlwind of energy and passion. 🌈🔥

The incredible groups
• iThemba Labantu Dancers and Drummers
• Women Unite Entertainment And Projects NPC
• High Brass
• Percussion Kingz

The amazing lead performers
• Andrea Harry
• Yolanda Ngxokozela
• Neziswa Toso
• Cassidy Fortuin

Did you catch the magic? Let us know your favourite moment with Erika!

Take a look at our Facebook page for the full album!

Spot someone you know in the photographs - do tag them! 👇

Huge thank you to our incredible sponsors!🙏💜
@cityofct
@multichoice_group
@sa_nlc
@news24
@netwerk_24
@artsculturesa
@kfmza
@southernsunhotels
@wcgovcas
@peoplespostnewspaper
@tygerburger
City Vision Live
@tractoroutdoor
@youmagazinesa
@huisgenoot
@drum_magazine
@kuiertydskrif
@viatv
@discoverctwc
@okushaldrinks
@cocacolapenbev
@citysightseeingsa .
.
.
.
.
.
#capetowncarnival #wowza #afrorio #erikajanuza #culturalfusion #carnivalvibes #riotocapetown #southafricanspirit #carnivalenergy #dancetherhythm #CapeTownCarnival2025 #communityspirit

@events_capetown @lovecapetown @discoverctwc @ithemba_labantu_philippi

Load More Follow on Instagram

General

Media Office

If you have any questions for our media office, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Follow Us

© 2024 Cape Town Carnival - All Rights Reserved

Designed by Pii Digital