Kaapse Klopse: “The Second New Year” of South Africa
Not yet published by Vanessa Boiser
Country: South Africa 
The Experience
Experience the diversity at its finest. South Africa is a nation defined by its people, culture and heritage. Its history, customs and traditions are so unique you have to experience it for yourself to believe. It is a nation fashioned by festivities and celebrations which date back to the ancient times. In fact, it is here where some of the oldest human archaeological fossils were found. UNESCO has considered the caves of Gauteng Province as a World Heritage Site and called it “cradle of humankind”.
Because of its beauty and richness, South Africa has witnessed numerous conflicts. Its priceless diamonds and gold resources has been the object of many other countries’ desires to have a part on wonderfully abundant gift of Mother Nature. But the natives stood steadfast through decades and centuries, unwavering in their efforts to preserve what rightfully belonged to them. Its capital city, Cape Town is one of the main cities in South Africa that witnessed most of the events that happened in the past. Cape Town has seen the best and the worse times in its countries history. It is evident in its people’s culture and way of life. It is part of its music and celebrations.
Kaapse Klopse is one of South Africa’s grandest celebrations. To describe it as colourful would be an understatement. Also known as Cape Minstrel Carnival, this huge celebration was attended by no less than 13,000 Minstrels all dressed in satin and sequinned costumes playing different musical instruments in different variety of tunes. It was a spectacle to behold! Some has described it chaotic. Others viewed it as what a carnival should be. But Kaapse Klopse was indeed a fun, colourful cornucopia of wonderfully chaotic musical carnival that was crazily enchanting.
Because of its beauty and richness, South Africa has witnessed numerous conflicts. Its priceless diamonds and gold resources has been the object of many other countries’ desires to have a part on wonderfully abundant gift of Mother Nature. But the natives stood steadfast through decades and centuries, unwavering in their efforts to preserve what rightfully belonged to them. Its capital city, Cape Town is one of the main cities in South Africa that witnessed most of the events that happened in the past. Cape Town has seen the best and the worse times in its countries history. It is evident in its people’s culture and way of life. It is part of its music and celebrations.
Kaapse Klopse is one of South Africa’s grandest celebrations. To describe it as colourful would be an understatement. Also known as Cape Minstrel Carnival, this huge celebration was attended by no less than 13,000 Minstrels all dressed in satin and sequinned costumes playing different musical instruments in different variety of tunes. It was a spectacle to behold! Some has described it chaotic. Others viewed it as what a carnival should be. But Kaapse Klopse was indeed a fun, colourful cornucopia of wonderfully chaotic musical carnival that was crazily enchanting.
When to Go
It was celebrated just after the New Year, January 2 every year. It was a perfect timing because everyone was still in the New Year’s Day mood. Everything was still festive, nobody wanted to rest. In fact, relaxation was far from everyone’s mind. It was a frenzy of violets, yellows, greens, reds, practically all colours of satin you can ever imagine. Even if you are sleeping, you’ll wake up to the wonderfully loud music of the thousands of minstrels dancing and playing their own tunes.
Locally known as the 2nd New Year, Klopse was said to have originated from African-American musicians who docked in Cape Town and randomly entertained sailors and anybody who paid attention. The rest was history. Klopse, similarly like Mardi Gras, is a celebration of the natives’ freedom to express themselves inspite of everything they went through as a people.
Of course the best time to witness this spectacular festival is on 2nd January every year. Depending on what you want to do, you can go ahead and visit South Africa anytime. That is why South Africa is an ideal tourist destination is because there are so many things to do all year round. If you are taking the safari adventure, then the month of September is ideal for that. If you are thinking of visiting the whales then June to December is the best time to go whale watching. Summer is great for visiting and exploring Cape Town.
Locally known as the 2nd New Year, Klopse was said to have originated from African-American musicians who docked in Cape Town and randomly entertained sailors and anybody who paid attention. The rest was history. Klopse, similarly like Mardi Gras, is a celebration of the natives’ freedom to express themselves inspite of everything they went through as a people.
Of course the best time to witness this spectacular festival is on 2nd January every year. Depending on what you want to do, you can go ahead and visit South Africa anytime. That is why South Africa is an ideal tourist destination is because there are so many things to do all year round. If you are taking the safari adventure, then the month of September is ideal for that. If you are thinking of visiting the whales then June to December is the best time to go whale watching. Summer is great for visiting and exploring Cape Town.
Odds n' Ends
After getting crazy at the Klopse Carnival, you can now try the other attractions South Africa has to offer. There is of course the Kalahari Wildlife Gaming Reserve which is considered as the biggest gaming reserve in South Africa and second largest in the world. Satisfy your love and hunger for unique and artistic landscapes by going to Drakensberg. This phenomenal mountain range is deep emerald in summer and if you’re lucky enough it can be as golden as it can get. And during winter, it is snow capped contradicting itself in a never ending dance with nature.
You might also want to try South Africa’s best beaches and bask in its sunshine. Some of the best beach destinations in this country are the resort towns of Gouritzmond and Boggomsbaaiand visit part of the Oyster Catcher Trail. Don’t forget also one of the best Garden route beaches in South Africa, Mossel Bay where you can enjoy scuba diving, horse riding, and surfing.
You might also want to try South Africa’s best beaches and bask in its sunshine. Some of the best beach destinations in this country are the resort towns of Gouritzmond and Boggomsbaaiand visit part of the Oyster Catcher Trail. Don’t forget also one of the best Garden route beaches in South Africa, Mossel Bay where you can enjoy scuba diving, horse riding, and surfing.
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Language Guides
Hindi 
,
Portugese
are some of the languages spoken in South Africa. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
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