The Kaapse Klopse festival in Cape Town South Africa is known locally as the Tweede Nuwe Jaar or Second New Year… Kaapse Klopse is a minstrel festival that begins on January 2nd and lasts for the entire month. The history of the carnival dates back to the 19th century, when January 2nd was the one day of the year that slaves in Cape Town were allowed off. The history that surrounds the carnival states that the event was influenced by African American minstrels whose ship, the Alabama, docked in Cape Town in the 1800s. It is also said that the ex-slaves in the 1840s would put white paint on their faces and parody prominent local citizens, in a show of defiance against white supremacy. In any case, participation in the minstrel troupes is a tradition passed down through families over the years.
The word Klopse means club, or troupe. The troupes that participate in the Kaapse Klopse festival can have 200-300 members, or up to 1,000 members. Some of the core members of a troupe will practice all year long, while others will simply wait until the festival, purchase a uniform, and join the show. Kaapse Klopse troupes are open to all, and men, women, and children participate.
The music played at the Kaapse Klopse festival is known as goema. In the 1800s, some wealthy families owned slave bands, whose job was to play European dance music. These bands also music from Indonesia, Angola, Mozambique, and Khoi. Eventually, the distinctive sounds merged and became goema. Goema music accompanied the revelry of the slaves back in the 1800s when January 2nd was their one free day. Later, when slavery was outlawed, ex-slaves celebrated their Emancipation Day by parading through the streets playing goema music.
The costumes at Kaapse Klopse vary, and each troupe uses different colors every year. But there is always a pattern. Kaapse Klopse costumes are made of satin, and always consist of pants, a suit jacket, and an umbrella. A prize is awarded to whichever troupe is judged to be the best dressed. There are also occasionally unusually dressed characters. A male dressed in female clothing is called a moffie, and a participant wearing a frightening mask, carrying a tomahawk, and shouting war cries in an effort to frighten those watching the festivities is called atjas. This character represents an Apache Indian.
The parade that kicks off the New Year begins at noon on January second. The troupes will begin at Keizergracht Street and will continue down Darling, Adderly, Wale, and finally Bree. The festivities are by no means over when the parade ends. The troupes move in to stadiums and hold various competitions among themselves. Kappse Klopse is a very unique festival, and fascinating to watch. If your New Year’s celebration brings you anywhere near Cape Town, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t miss it.
