The Mother City is preparing for one of its most vibrant cultural spectacles as the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade and Choral Competitions take place on Monday, 5 January 2026, centred around Somerset Road and the DHL Stadium in Green Point.

The event marks Day One of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association’s (KKKA) annual Kaapse Klopse competitions, officially ushering in the 2026 Klopse season.

Various other klopse groupings, not affiliated with KKKA, are participating in separate competitions. (There is also a court dispute, not linked to the official Tweede Nuwe Jaar event.)

The KKKA is the official organiser of Tweede Nuwe Jaar, which takes place on 5 January this year, due mainly to religious and logistical reasons.

(This includes the fact that Friday, 2 January, is a sacred Mosque day; Saturday, 3 January, coincides with a sold-out Stormers vs Bulls match, which would cripple traffic and compromise safety; and Sunday, 4 January, is a church day.)

When and where it happens

At exactly 12:00, on 5 January, Somerset Road will burst into life as more than 10,000 minstrels, their faces painted and dressed in brightly coloured satin suits, begin the iconic road march.

The parade will start at the corner of Ebenezer and Somerset Road, filling the area with music, umbrellas and the unmistakable rhythm of gummie and tamareen.

At the same time, festivities will unfold inside the DHL Stadium, where spectators can watch troupes compete in the opening competitive categories of the season.

What’s happening inside the stadium

Stadium gates open at 11:00, with a stage activation beginning at 11:30. At noon, competition items kick off in perfect synchrony with the road march outside.

The competitive categories on the day include:

• Klopse Jol
• Best Dressed Troupe
• Juvenile Drum Major
• Senior/Adult Drum Major

All KKKA-affiliated troupes will participate.

Tickets and entry

No tickets will be sold at the venue. Tickets must be purchased in advance. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Ticket prices:

• Stadium seating: R80
• Children aged 2–6: R50
• Pensioners: R50 (valid ID required)
• Children under 2 enter free if seated on an adult’s lap

Thermal-printed till-slip tickets will not be accepted. Digital tickets on a phone are allowed.

Once a ticket has been scanned, no re-entry is permitted.

Important stadium rules

• This is an alcohol-free event
• No liquids may be brought into the stadium (empty bottles are allowed and can be filled inside)
• No fast food is permitted; only dry, sealed items in original packaging
• Local vendors will be available inside the venue
• Seating is unallocated block seating
• Children performing in a troupe must complete their judged performance before entering the stands via the correct access point

Why the route and format have changed

The KKKA has addressed public confusion and criticism around changes to the traditional parade route.

According to the association, the changes are driven by the need to compress the Klopse season, as Ramadaan overlaps with the festive period, a cyclical occurrence every 33 years. This requires multiple events to be held on the same day or in close succession to preserve the ability to perform during historically significant periods.

The KKKA insists the heritage of Tweede Nuwe Jaar is not being erased.

“Our elders tell us that Klopse have always marched and performed in Green Point,” the association said, adding that the adjusted route allows both the street parade and stadium competitions to take place on the same day.

The organisation also rejected claims that it has become “political” or “sold out”, emphasising that Klopse is a cultural movement, not a political one, and must remain inclusive of all religions, races and identities.

Planning your day

Spectators are advised to:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early
• Bring valid identification
• Familiarise themselves with venue rules
• Expect road closures and increased foot traffic in Green Point