Cape Town Season

A look at some of the events that locals and holiday visitors can enjoy in Cape Town, South Africa, this season.

Cape Town has been nominated as one of the top 5 places to visit before you die. With wonderful sunshine, majestic mountains and the ocean all around, this does not come as a surprise. For locals and tourists alike there are a variety of fun activities for all members of the family to participate in.

The Harfield Village Carnival takes place this November 2007, right in the heart of the southern suburbs. It is a street carnival, which starts early in the morning and lasts until late at night. There is a selection of stalls offering, among many things, food and Christmas gifts. There will be jazz and marching bands to set the mood. The carnival will be held on 2nd Ave among the restaurants. There is a crèche for the children, and craft stalls and pubs for the adults.

The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is a hub of activity. The venue has been booked almost every weekend with shows and gigs throughout the holiday season. The festivities start off with the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, which will be running from November through to April. Visitors can picnic on the soft grass banks while at the bottom of the slope bands play on stage.

Bands vary from Vusi Mahlasela through to Chris Chameleon and Neo Myanga. Vusi Mahlasela is a South African guitarist, percussionist and composer. Known globally, his music is a combination of folk, world, blues and soul. Chris Chameleon is another South African songwriter. Having won the reward for "Favourite Contemporary Artist" in 2006 as well as "Best Male Artist" in 2005, his music is a combination of soul and jazz infusion. He plays the guitar, piano and mesinko, which is a traditional Ethiopian bowed instrument.

Kirstenbosch will also be holding its annual Carols By Candlelight. This event is organised by the Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch. The Cape Town Concert Brass band will be accompanied by the Cape Town Male Voice Choir singing Traditional Christmas Carols. This event has proven to be immensely popular among locals and arriving early is recommended.

Every Saturday morning the Neighbours Goods Market, also known as the Woodstock Organic Market, takes place at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. There is a selection of organic and locally produced goods ranging from vegetables to home made pastries. With plenty to eat and taste, the market has grown in popularity every weekend. In December the market will be open on both Saturdays and Sundays. There are over 50 stalls, each with their different foods and products. Some of the things to look for include different olives, chilli pastes, chocolates and gourmet sandwiches.

Towards the back of the market is the Art and Design section where you can find jewellery and clothing. All made in Cape Town, South Africa, local fashion designers sell their leather accessories, shoes and a whole lot more.

This season Cape Town has gone all out with the mixture of different events on offer. Each community has brought their own special twist to the holiday season, and events range from morning activities to evening occasions. You can find a vast majority of the events online or check the local newspapers for more information.

Celeste writes for Travel and Tourism News, which is a portal for all travel and tourism information.