Summary
In Cape Town, South Africa, the new year is a time when thousands of people put on bright uniforms and make up their faces in black and white. They all come from the "coloured" community, one of the victims of segregation and apartheid. The new year festivals consist in competitions between troupes of "Minstrels", choirs and brass bands.
They provide an occasion for tightening community bonds as well as for forgetting about the hardships of ordinary life in South Africa.
In 1994, just before the elections, the Cape Town new year festivals were particularly lively.
They provide an occasion for tightening community bonds as well as for forgetting about the hardships of ordinary life in South Africa.
In 1994, just before the elections, the Cape Town new year festivals were particularly lively.
