The Kaapse Klopse is the Afrikaans name for South Africa’s Cape Town Minstrel Carnival that starts on 2 January as part of the city’s New Year celebrations. Thousands of painted musical troupes take to the streets to play their banjos, parade and party! Everyone heads towards Green Point Stadium where singing, dancing and costume competitions are held. The event is a celebration of renewal, the opportunities New Year brings and the hope for a brighter future – rather than a reflection on the bad old days.

The majority of participants come from the non-African and non-European ethnic groups, though the whole city enjoys the celebrations, with the forming of two distinct groups: the minstrel troupe clubs and the Malay choirs. The minstrel troupe clubs are involved in the organisation of the carnival and in the performance of dances and shows in their brightly coloured costumes. There are around 60 in the city and they can number up to 1,000 members, though they average around 500.

The Malay choirs are drawn from the descendents of slaves and political prisoners brought here by the Dutch East India Company from Malaysia and Indonesia in the 18th century. They perform a wide range of songs and wear far more sombre outfits. There are around 150 choirs averaging around 75 members each and they form the Night Troupes that also parade through Cape Town on New Year’s Eve in track suits.

Carnival is all about partying and Cape Town is a great place for that. Big pumping nights can be had at Bascule on West Quay Road and at Brass Bell on Kalk Bay. The former has great views of the marina and Table Mountain – get there while the daylight lasts and enjoy some of its rare whiskeys. The latter is all about the sea, and with waves crashing in and delicious seafood on offer, it is a must on your itinerary.

For somewhere more sedate, try the Fireman’s Arms on Mechau Road famed for its food and its fine selection of beers. The Planet Bar is the modern twist of the elegant, colonial-period Mount Nelson Hotel. Arguably Cape Town’s most sophisticated watering hole, it is the place to gather and people watch, sink some cocktails and enjoy its superb location and fine terrace. Martini is the bar of The Cellars Hohenort Hotel that rejuvenated the Klaasenbosch vineyards, so a great choice of wine is on offer, along with cocktails that include, unsurprisingly, excellent martinis...

The city is believed by many to be the most naturally beautiful in the world and there is an excellent selection of hotels in Cape Town to enjoy it from. You can stay right by the stadium and enjoy views over Table Bay to Robben Island at the Radisson Waterfront Hotel. The Protea President Hotel offers great value with stunning sunsets out over the ocean, whereas the Fountains Hotel & Suite keeps you in the heart of the city. HotelTravel.com also has a good selection of hotels in Cape Town on promotion.