Celebrate New Year 2024 In Cape Town, South Africa

This weekend sees the official end of the year 2023 as the world celebrates New Year 2024, but where to celebrate it? Known by many as the most beautiful city in the world, Cape Town is an amazing place to celebrate New Year’s Eve and welcome in the New Year. In fact, Big 7 Travel has recently released a list of The 50 Best Places To Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the World 2023 and Cape Town came through at No. 12. Why is this major city in the running for the best place to celebrate? Read on to find out.

Cape Town is one of the best places to celebrate New Year 2024

Big 7 Travel asked its 1.5 million social media followers to tell them where they would best like to celebrate New Year’s Eve. They came up with an interesting list of destinations to celebrate, with Cape Town ranked at No. 12. Among its calendar of fun events, the city has plenty to offer.

Not only does Cape Town feature some of the best beaches in South Africa, but it also celebrates great weather this time of year. While the north freezes, the Cape is bathed in warm summer weather, which is a justification all by itself. However, the schedule is packed with parties, festivals, carnivals, family-friendly fun and more.

Celebrate at the V&A Waterfront

One particularly best place to celebrate is in the city’s V&A Waterfront, with its restaurants, bars, shops and more. A free carnival starts at 7 pm and carries on until the fireworks light up the New Year.

When it comes to music, revelers will be treated to the sounds of an amazing line-up of artists. Among them are Just Jinger, Tarryn Lamb, Sun-El Musician, Black Ties, Mandisi Dyantyis, Seth Grey, The Rivertones and The Ploemies offer an unforgettable evening of great music.  Party and dance until those amazing fireworks light the skies to usher in 2024.

Of course, in the meantime, the many excellent restaurants in the Waterfront offer delicious dining prior to the main celebration. However, one thing to bear in mind is that there is limited parking at the V&A Waterfront, so rather use public transport and avoid a major traffic jam.

Celebrate Tweede Nuwe Jaar – Second New Year

Cape Town doesn’t just celebrate the New Year once, it celebrates twice with what is known as the Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebration on January 2. While these days, it’s a fun event, there is some sad history behind the holiday.

Back in the 17th century, slavery was common in South Africa and people were not granted many days off work during the holidays. The only day they did have off work was on January 2. At that time, the slaves visited their friends and family and celebrated their very own New Year. While protesting their oppressed lifestyle, they sang and danced and generally had fun in the streets.

This second New Year has grown in recent years, where brass bands play and bright outfits are worn. Everyone paints their faces while blowing whistles, singing and generally having fun. Visit the streets of Cape Town on Tweede Nuwe Jaar for a truly unique experience.

Readers can enjoy the Cape Town Minstrels having fun this past January 2, 2023, in the video below with the iconic Table Mountain as a background.

If you can’t make it to Cape Town for this year’s celebrations, put a visit on your bucket list for next year.