The southernmost city of African continent came alive Monday to celebrate the New Year in a boisterous carnival, the likes of which are not seen elsewhere in the world.

Thousands of people in colorful costumes paraded along Rose Street in the Bo-Kaap area before ending on the Grand Parade in Cape Town’s Central Business District.

During the march, musicians and dancers had their faces painted white. They waved parasols, strummed banjos, and made merry with music and dance.

The event is called Kaapse Klopse, a New Year’s minstrel carnival, also known as the second New Year street parade.

Two celebrations take over the streets of the Mother City - Cape Town each year. One falls on Dec. 31, and the other one on Jan. 2.

The celebration took place at 13:00, and lasted until the night.

People in the parade come from various communities in Cape Town, according to the parade organizers. They would spend a whole year of their spare time to practice dances and songs, so that they could shine at the carnival.

The parade attracts more than 100,000 spectators every year.

"So in Cape Town, and it's lovely 2nd of January where every year this time, Kaapse Klopse comes together to commemorate the history like of the Cape-Malaysian people. And then a lot of people come with their faces painted, beating the drums," said Heloise Janser, a female resident.

"The day mustn't end, because we are enjoying ourselves here. Every year we come to come and watch it. We're looking out for them to continue our culture," said Rosemary Ables, another resident.

Each year, Cape Town partners with various minstrel groups to put on a dazzling show for Capetonians and tourists alike.

The activity dates back to 19th century when slaves were allowed to have one-day off at the start of a new year. They would dress up as minstrels, dance and sing in streets to celebrate New Year and to show protest against their rulers.

Today, the parade is an important cultural icon of Cape Town.
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