Tag: Grand Parade

Day 1 as a Cape Argus intern

I had no idea what to expect on my first day at the Cape Argus, but was pleasantly surprised when I was tasked with covering the Tweede Nuwe Jaar minstrel march. The march takes place every year on the 2nd of January and has its traditions in slavery in the Cape.

In the nineteenth century, slaves in Cape Town were given one day off in the year (2 January). On this day, they dressed in fancy costumes and sang and danced through the streets. Some of those songs can still be heard at the parade today.

All of the photos below were taken by me.

file_000-13
All set up for the march at the Grand Parade.
file_001-5
Waiting patiently for the minstrels at the Grand Parade.
file_000-14
The Original District 6 Hanover Minstrels were the first troupe in the procession. They have been the champions for the past nine years.
file_000-12
A member of the Original District 6 Hanover Minstrels.
file_000-15
Two young members of the Juvie Boys.
file_000-16
The Juvie Boys celebrated their fifth year at the minstrel march.
file_000-17
A young minstrel looks bewildered as he marches through the parade.

Click on this link to read my article, which appeared in the Cape Argus on 3 January: http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/pics-minstrels-do-cape-town-proud-7317114