Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association Protest march 3 Jan 2026

Cape Town Minstrels rally against venue disputes before Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade The Tweede Nuwe Jaar, celebrated on January 2nd, has its roots in Cape Town's complex history. The Kaapse Klopse, also known as the "Coons", has a debated origin, with some linking it to slavery when enslaved people mimicked their enslavers' dress and music. However, elements like the date(2 January), parasol, "black-face", and clothing styles point to a later period indicative of British colonial influence, which suggests later developments and also dispels the untruth that it was historically a coloured cultural past time exclusively held in Cape Town. A "Coon Carnival" was held in 1862 by visiting American minstrel groups, known as the Christy's Minstrels.In 1864 Christy's performed in the Cape Colony inspiring performing artists. Again in 1877 they perfotmed in Simonstown. Harpers Minstrels performed at the Royal theatre in Pietermaritzburg in that same year according to the Cape Argus.In 1882 the East London Minstrels performed at King Williamstown. This was reported by the East London dispatch of 1882.In 1883 the Umgunpinilovu Minstrels gave a stage performance in the Royal Theatre in Pietermaritzburg on the 1 January followed by a rendition of "auld lang syn" to welcome in the new year.According to the Pietermaritzburg Advertiser of 1884, the Anglo american Minstrels performed in the Gaiety Theatre.It is said that in 1887 the very first organized carnival troupes began to appear during this year, but only in 1894, did an enterprising baker named C.J. Cole form the first local(American Christy Minstrel Troupe), comprising his musically inclined Coloured employees. Decked out in flashy costumes and silk hats, the minstrels paraded the streets, capturing the imagination of the people of Cape Town. This marked the birth of the Coon Carnival tradition.The East London dispatch advertised the Empire Minstrels in 1890.According to the Cape Argus of 1891 a Mr. Charles Baring, the principal baritone of the Mammoth Minstrels, had won the gold medal of the Royal Academy of Music.On the 1st of January 1907, the first formal carnival competitions were held at the Green Point Track, organized by the Green Point Cricket Club. The inaugural Coon Carnival on Green Point Track, organized by the "Cape Argus" and influential figures such as S.F. Geyer, Connolly, B. Barron, and L. Wentzel, became the customary event of the New Year.The event was officially renamed the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival to remove the derogatory racial slur associated.The popularity of the minstrels was such that more Coloured troupes emerged, enlivening the New Year celebrations with their revelry. It was not until 1910, however, that the various Coloured troupes were united under the banner of the Coon Carnival.Take the historical evidence of Fatie Abrahams who was a pioneer of the Diamond Eye Minstrels and the Coon Carnival.The year was 1911, and Cape Town was abuzz with excitement as the Diamond Eye Minstrels, led by the visionary Fatie Abrahams, celebrated their 25th anniversary.During these times Cape Town was a military station, housing thousands of red-coated soldiers. The soldiers, known for their love of music and singing, would gather in the singing halls attached to local hotels, joining in choruses of popular songs of the era. These singing halls became the hub of entertainment in the absence of modern forms of amusement like the bioscope and wireless. The Coloured people, passionate about music and dance, formed singing clubs that catered to their love for music. In the tranquil summer nights, the harmonious voices of men singing melodies filled the streets, creating a sense of joy and nostalgia. These were the cherished moments fondly remembered by the older generation, who reminisced about the days when music and dance were the chief pastimes of the Coloured community.In 1911, Fatie Abrahams founded the Diamond Eye troupe, which has since celebrated the New Year for 25 years. The Coon Carnival quickly became one of the major attractions of the year for the Coloured people of the Cape. Streets like Caledon and Hanover were transformed as people adorned themselves in vibrant attire and brought benches, chairs, and even oil stoves, coffee pots, and baskets of food to the festivities. The Coons, with their scarlet and gold tunics, emblazoned ensigns, and sprightly songs, won the hearts of all onlookers. The "Redskins," adorned with grotesque masks and tall feathered headgear, elicited both fear and fascination, reminiscent of the real red men of the prairies.Fatie Abrahams, as the founder and captain of the Diamond Eye Minstrels, played a pivotal role in shaping the Coon Carnival tradition. Through his vision and leadership, he created a vibrant celebration that brought joy and camaraderie to the Coloured community in Cape Town.On the 26 January, 1920 the carnival was reinstated as the "Grand Carnival on Green Point Track" by Abdullah Abdurahman,