Gauteng carnival takes centre stage
JOBURG - Johannesburg streets came alive in a kaleidoscope of colour in celebration of African heritage during the province’s 9th Annual Gauteng Carnival parade on 8 December.
The 2013 Carnival took place at the Johannesburg Stadium from 7 December until 8 December.
The carnival featured young Gauteng artists who not only took part in the parade but were also part of designing the outfits that were flaunted on the day. They were also involved in choreographing the songs and dance for the day.
The event was earmarked by the Gauteng Provincial Government not only to foster the development of local culture but also to drive creative and artistic industries as well as foster social cohesion.
The parade, which took place a few days after the passing of former President Nelson Mandela, was dedicated to celebrating the life of Mandela in song and dance.
Many of the participants held up portraits of Mandela and sang struggle songs in memory of the global icon.
The parade was a showcase of South African as well as African culture.
Traffic within central Johannesburg came to halt as thousands of dancers, accompanied by floats, filled the streets while the CBD residents could not help but watch the parade from their windows and balconies.
However, motorists didn’t seem to mind as they seemed entertained by the thousands of participants dressed in big and colourful costumes.
