Cape Town’s Pride Festival is ready to bring the rainbow magic, with the highly anticipated Pride Parade and Mardi Gras lighting up the streets on Saturday, March 1st.

This day marks the grand finale of a three-week celebration that began on February 6th.

The Pride Parade, always the crown jewel of the festival, will kick off in the lively de Waterkant district of Green Point.

It’s an event where the LGBTQI+ community and allies come together to march, celebrate, and most importantly—show their true colours.

This year’s theme, RainbowID, invites everyone to proudly display their identity under the vibrant rainbow flag.

The parade will make its way to the Green Point Track, where the fun doesn’t stop. The Pride Mardi Gras is waiting to keep the festivities rolling with an electrifying lineup of performances including Craig Lucas and his band, the smooth sounds of Jimmy Nevis, and the magical He Plays Violin. Soprano Lynelle Kenned, DJ Lelowhatsgood, MC Squared, and the returning crowd favorite 3 Tons of Fun, is also set to entertain the crowd.

To amp things up, Tollie Parton, star of Die Tollie & Manila Show, will MC for the day, alongside the talented Jarrad Ricketts, who will also be sharing some of his tunes.

Plus, The Kings Collab (a fierce Drag Kings and Things collective) will be bringing their show-stopping performances, and after last year’s voguing extravaganza, the Ballroom scene is making a sizzling return to the stage.

For those who want to learn more about the LGBTIQ+ community, the NGO Village will be showcasing a variety of organizations dedicated to supporting the cause.

In a major treat, the stars of the hit show Beaulah: Queens van de Kaap will also be joining the action, making this a festival you simply can’t miss!

Newly appointed Cape Town Pride Brand Ambassador Nkosinathi Sangweni waka Mtshali said, “As Cape Town comes alive with the colours of Pride 2025, let us take a moment to honour those who paved the way for our freedoms while holding space for those who, for various reasons, cannot celebrate with us.

“Pride is a moment of joy and unity, but it is also a reminder of the work that remains. So, let’s march, dance, and celebrate—but let’s not be oblivious to the fight that continues for equal rights, representation, and justice for all.”

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus