The Cape Town Carnival will run from 12 to 14 March 2010, the weekend in between the Argus Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Marathon.

The primary objective of the festival is to bring together the diverse people of the City of Cape Town, in an event which is inclusive, creatively inspired and enjoyable. The universal language of dancing and music would bind the communities together through their participation in this exciting new event in the Cape Town season. The idea is that an annual theme will be interpreted through a variety of dance styles, carnival songs, and festive floats celebrating and building appreciation for the cultural diversity in our country.

Groups would be urged to participate with cross-genre cross-cultural music/ dance/ costumes and decorations, which portray the richness of our society. One of the main judging criteria will be based on the ability to portray the mash-ups of the different cultures and elements.

The most popular group will then be decided by experts in the fields of dance, music, art and design as well as through the votes from the public. The Carnival will celebrate a truly South African expression of Music, Dance and Arts and educate and inform the world of the rich culture and history of South Africa.