| Johannesburg, Gauteng: New Year Carnival |
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From Wednesday, 31 December 2008 - 08:00
To Thursday, 01 January 2009 - 17:00
Every day
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Johannesburg - It's almost that time of year again, when brightly
dressed performers take to Joburg streets to celebrate the New Year with
a bang.
Hosted by the City of Joburg and the South African Police Service, the
Joburg Carnival will again give Joburgers the opportunity to bid a
colourful farewell to 2008, reports Joburg.org.
Performers from several African countries, such as Nigeria, Burundi,
Senegal and Tanzania, will participate in this year's festivities,
adding extra spice and excitement.
This vibrant annual event will start at 2pm on Wednesday, 31 December at
Berea Park, in Berea, and at Pieter Roos Park, in Parktown. The two
groups will meet on Kotze Street, in Hillbrow, and proceed in a single
procession to Newtown.
The carnival, which is themed Nyakaza-Joburg unplugged, will travel
along Empire Road, Claim Street, Catherine Avenue, O'Reilly Road Joubert
Street, De Korte Street, Bertha Street, Nelson Mandela Bridge, Jeppe
Street and Miriam Makeba Street.
About 20 000 participants, including various carnival troupes, choirs,
bands, clowns, stilt walkers and drummers, are expected to take part.
Communities from all over the city have taken part in carnival camps in
the run-up to the main event, during which budding artists were trained
in various carnival-related arts, equipping them with skills that could
eventually earn them a living.
According to Steven Sack, the city's director of arts, culture and
heritage services, the carnival will give people in the inner city an
opportunity to engage in a free, safe and constructive activity on New
Year's Eve.
"The carnival atmosphere captures Joburg's unique urban flavour. It is
always a joyous and uplifting experience that symbolises the melting pot
of cultures making this edgy, world-class African city," Mr Sack said.
Once at Mary Fitzgerald Square, in Newtown, there will be a concert from
6pm to 2am, featuring acts such Freshlyground, KB, Wonderboom and MXO.
"No alcohol, weapons or fireworks will be allowed, and the police and
emergency services will be on hand to ensure that the evening's
festivities run smoothly," he said. - BuaNews By Rudo Mungoshi |
Location: Mary Fitzgerald Square, in Newtown, Johannesburg Gauteng
Contact: BuaNews
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