Already missing the holiday period? We’ve devised a way to relive that magical feeling of seeing in the new year. We’re looking back on a typical South African celebration.  Celebrating the new year is among the biggest and most colorful events in the South African calendar. A new year’s party here is one you could never forget!

Like here in the UK there’s never a shortage of clubs and bars to see in the new year.  The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town is renowned for taking you into the new year singing and dancing - all in view of the grand fireworks display overlooking South African mountain ranges.

In vibrant Johannesburg, the beaches of Durban and the Garden Route were the scene of all night parties with drumming, dancing and singing. 

For those who have a little more energy after the new year’s partying, or for some who saved their energy, there is the annual minstrel festival (Kaapse Klopse). This is a long standing tradition that starts in Cape Town. Up to 13,000 minstrels in bright, fanciful dress take to the streets of the city playing an array of musical instruments for the crowds to have a boogie to and join in with the fun.

What a way to see the new year in a?

We hope this gets you equally excited about Africa in 2012! Wishing you all a good start to the New Year from us all here at See Africa Differently!

References:

http://goafrica.about.com/od/africafestivalsandevents/a/newyears.htm

http://www.happywink.org/newyearfestival/new-year-in-south-africa.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16412909