<p>South Africa's city of Cape Town burst into color on Wednesday (January 02, 2013) as more than 13,000 minstrels paraded the streets in celebration of the new year.<br /><br />The annual Cape Minstrel Carnival is the city's longest-running street party, dating back almost 200 years.<br /><br />The event is one the most important in Cape Town's social calendar, attracting hundreds of spectators.<br /><br />It is celebrated on January 2, the only day Cape slaves were given off work.<br /><br />"It's lot of fun and I am enjoying watching the children when they come by, dancing and the smiles on their faces. So it's great to here." Said Bedwell.<br /><br />"It's great, people love to party, they are in a good mood very colourful. Joyful, it's wonderful, we love it." said Eyad El-Khouly, an Egyptian tourist.<br /><br />The minstrels practice their music and dance weeks ahead of the carnival and celebrations on the 2nd usually last late into the night.</p>
