video transcript

Cape Town erupted with color and music as more than 13,000 minstrels welcomed the New Year with a street parade. Celebrated on January 2nd, the Cape Minstrel Carnival is almost 200 years old and marks the only day of the year Cape slaves had off. SOUNDBITE: Elly Holder, Australian tourist, saying (English): "I think it's gorgeous, I love the colors and it's nothing we have like in Australia." SOUNDBITE: Eyad El-Khouly, Egyptian tourist, saying (English): "It's great, people love to party, they are in a good mood very colorful. Joyful, it's wonderful, we love it." SOUNDBITE: Darcy Bedwell, U.S. tourist, saying (English): "It's a lot of fun and I am enjoying watching the children when they come by, dancing and the smiles on their faces. So it's great to be here." Minstrels practice for weeks ahead of the big day and celebrations usually continue late into the night.