Cape Town’s iconic Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebrations are expected to look and feel markedly different in 2026, as organisers have requested that the traditional Klopse street parade along the Grand Parade, Darling, Adderley and Wale streets be moved to Green Point.

For many Capetonians, particularly residents of Bo-Kaap, the looming change may bring a sense of loss. For generations, families have arrived before sunrise with chairs and umbrellas, claiming their spots along Wale Street up to Rose Street to watch the Kaapse Klopse troupes pass by in a sea of colour, music and tradition.

That familiar ritual is expected to now give way to a new route, which organisers say is aimed at reshaping the future of the carnival.

Towards the end of November this year, the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Assosiasie (KKKA) announced a revised programme on its Facebook page:

The street parade is expected to take place on Monday, 5 January 2026, with the choral competition launching on the same day at DHL Stadium.

Additional competition days are scheduled for 10, 24 and 31 January, and 7 February 2026, to be hosted at Athlone Stadium.

According to the KKKA, this move was influenced by several factors, including the need to respect religious observances.

Prayers will be observed on Friday, 2 January and Sunday, 4 January, prompting organisers to move the parade to a Monday.

The association also cited historical links to Green Point as another reason to move the venue.

“In the past, our ancestors paraded along multiple routes towards the cradle of carnival – Green Point,” the KKKA said. “By honouring this history, we are acknowledging the home of carnival.”

The newly announced route is expected to move through the Old Cape Malay Quarter, into Somerset Road, along the Fan Walk, and into DHL Stadium, where Day 1 of the choral competition,  known as the internationally celebrated Klopse Jol, will take place.

In a statement, the City of Cape Town said its Events Permit Office is currently reviewing the event application, having given its in-principle support for the change of venue, on condition that the KKKA submits plans for the proper management of the event route.

Those plans include ensuring that the parade route is kept clear of any overnight spectators and preventing the demarcation of viewing spots with tents and gazebos.

*This article was updated to reflect the response of the City of Cape Town