Cape Town Carnival, taking place on 19 March at 8.30pm, will have all the glamour and sensuality of Rio, albeit on a smaller scale, yet with a distinctively African beat.  Born out of a vision to celebrate in the style of other street spectaculars around the world, the 2011 Cape Town Carnival will show how local creativity can wow audiences with its originality. Look out for magical giant puppets, life-size African animals leaping through the streets with kinetic grace and extravagant floats with energetic dancers lit up by spotlights and seen by all on big screens.

It’s going to be noisy and boisterous, starting as it means to go on with 150 throbbing Harley-Davidsons proceeding along the “Carnival Corridor” in Long Street. They will herald the grand entrance of nine spectacular floats and over 2,000 dancers in elaborate costumes. The purpose-built gateway will be ablaze with colour, lights, lasers and dancers, welcoming all to the Carnival.

Get into the groove with pulsating music pumping from the floats and as the procession exits, DJ Fresh takes over with his own special version of what a street party should be. Don’t plan on going home early because this party goes on well into the night.