As the countdown to the Cape Town Carnival begins, the city’s creative pulse quickens. Nestled in the heart of Maitland, the Cape Town Carnival Workshop is a hive of activity, where artists, designers, performers, and artisans are hard at work bringing this year’s WowZA! theme to life. On a sunny Tuesday in February, we stepped inside this world of glitter, steel, and boundless creativity to uncover the magic behind one of Cape Town’s most dazzling events.

From the moment we arrived, the workshop felt like stepping into a kaleidoscope of colour and energy. Energetic entertainers in vibrant carnival outfits greeted us, setting the tone for a day filled with inspiration. The entrance, adorned with glittering streamers, led us into a space where creativity knows no bounds. Warm coffee and sweet koesisters – a local favourite – provided by Back Alley Coffee, welcomed us, perfectly complementing the buzzing atmosphere.

This is where the Carnival’s magic begins. Steel sculptures rise like otherworldly giants, costumes shimmer with intricate detail, and floats take shape under the skilled hands of passionate artisans. It’s a place where imagination meets craftsmanship, and where the intangible becomes tangible.

The Cape Town Carnival is more than just a parade; it’s a year-round celebration of creativity and community. Over 1,500 performers will take to the streets on 15 March 2025, but behind every float and costume is a team of dedicated artisans who transform abstract ideas into breathtaking realities.

Brad Baard, the Carnival’s Creative Director, describes the workshop as a space where “the invisible gets drawn out of the magical fog of possibilities.” It’s a place where hundreds of ideas converge, honed by experts in fabrication, painting, costume design, and more.

Meet the Makers

The workshop is alive with the sounds of creation. Ayabonga Busakwe, a fabricator, plays a key role in bringing the floats to life. “It’s a real highlight having thousands of people looking at the float you helped create,” he says, reflecting on the thrill of seeing his work parade down the Fan Walk.

For Luando Nyanga, a painter who has been with the Carnival for nearly a decade, the workshop is a place of growth and inspiration. “I still remember how cool I thought everything was on my first day,” he recalls. “Now, I get to add minor details with different colours to help bring the floats to life.”

In the costume department, seamstresses and designers work tirelessly to create outfits that dazzle and delight. Bold colours, textures, and avant-garde elements come together to amplify the performers’ presence, ensuring every detail is as vibrant as the Carnival itself.

A Celebration of Community

The Cape Town Carnival is more than just a visual spectacle – it’s a celebration of community. This year’s WowZA! theme embodies the bold, bright, and uniquely South African creative spirit. As Cape Town Carnival Board Chair Prof Rachel Jafta notes, “This event is about changing lives while preparing the magic you’ll see on 15 March.”

From its humble beginnings in 2010 with a single float, the Carnival has grown into a platform for people from all walks of life to share their stories through music, dance, and performance. It’s a space where young creatives can dream big and showcase their talents, year after year.

The Road to the Fan Walk

As 15 March approaches, anticipation is building for the Carnival’s grand parade. Highlights include the Taking the Cape by Storm float, featuring the DHL Stormers rugby team, and the Gatsby float, a nod to the infamous sandwich, Adding an international flair, Rio Carnival’s Queen of the Drums, Erika Januza, will make a special appearance, bringing her electrifying energy to Cape Town’s streets.

Get Involved!

The Cape Town Carnival is free to attend, but for the best experience, you can secure premium viewing seats via Quicket. Can’t make it in person? Follow the behind-the-scenes journey through the #followyourheART social media campaign, which highlights the passion and dedication of the artists and community groups involved.

The Carnival isn’t just about the spectacle – it’s about the stories, the people, and the creative heartbeat of Cape Town. Seeing it come together behind the scenes is a reminder of the hard work and talent that fuels this vibrant event. If you haven’t yet experienced the Cape Town Carnival, now is the time – because this year’s WowZA! is going to be truly unforgettable!So, mark your calendars, grab your friends, and get ready to be swept away by the magic of the Cape Town Carnival. It’s not just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the indomitable spirit of South Africa

Looking Forward to the Main Event

With only a week to go until Saturday, 15 March 2025, excitement is building for the Cape Town Carnival Fan Walk, where these extraordinary creations will take centre stage. Some of the highlights to look forward to include:

  • The ‘Taking the Cape by Storm’ float, featuring the DHL Stormers rugby team.
  • The ‘Gatsby’ Float, 
  • A special appearance by Rio Carnival’s Queen of the Drums, Erika Januza, bringing an international flair to Cape Town’s streets.