PICTURES: Durban Carnival kicks off 2026 in style

Picture of Michel Bega

Compiled by Michel Bega

Multimedia Editor


The parade included spectacular performances, cultural groups in full regalia, marching bands, a rickshaw bus and uShaka Marine World mascots.


Durban Tourism, in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, hosted a New Year Carnival Parade through Durban’s central streets on Friday, celebrating South Africa’s rich cultural diversity with vibrant participation from various communities.

Durban carnival 2026
Picture: Rajesh Jantilal
Durban carnival 2026
Picture: Rajesh Jantilal
Durban carnival 2026
The Durban Carnival procession makes its way through the streets of Durban, 2 January 2026. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal
Durban carnival 2026
Picture: Rajesh Jantilal
Durban carnival 2026
Picture: Rajesh Jantilal
Durban carnival 2026
Picture: Rajesh Jantilal
Durban carnival 2026
Picture: Rajesh Jantilal
Durban carnival 2026
Picture: Rajesh Jantilal
Durban carnival 2026
Picture: Rajesh Jantilal
Durban carnival 2026
Picture: Rajesh Jantilal
Durban carnival 2026
Picture: Rajesh Jantilal

MORE PICTURES: South Africa and the world welcome the new year

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