What were the numbers of attendees for last year and what has been your record high?
2017 saw the highest attendance at the Carnival ever, with around 45 000 spectators gathering on Green Point’s Fan Walk enjoy the show.
What are some of the attractions that carnival goers can look forward to?
The biggest attraction and appeal of the Carnival is the celebratory festivities with fellow South Africans and Capetonians that can be enjoyed by each and every one of us. There’s a certain sense of pride in your city when watching these spectacular performances and floats.
How is the festival empowering the man on the street? From entrepreneurs to mainstream businesses?
The main form of empowerment the Carnival generates is among the community groups that participate, either by helping to build floats or create costumes, or by partaking in the parade itself. An event of this magnitude also naturally spawns smaller business opportunities for vendors and informal traders to sell their wares among the crowds. And finally, the employment opportunities offered to low or semi-skilled workers serve to empower those individuals.
What are some of the challenges you face with organizing the carnival?
One major challenge the 2018 Carnival has faced has been the question of water resource sensitivity. A full explainer of our strategy to overcome that challenge can be read here.
What are some of the highlights you’ve had thus far?
A big highlight for us has been the continued enthusiasm and support we’ve enjoyed from spectators – both locals and out-of-towners. We’ve managed to top attendance almost every year when comparing to the preceding year and we hope to attract more and more fans as the Carnival builds momentum as Africa’s premier street parade.
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