14 photos from a landmark Cape Town Pride in South Africa
This year’s event marked several milestones, including 20 years since marriage equality in the country.
Mark
For many, South Africa is the most queer-friendly country in Africa. It’s no surprise that the annual Cape Town Pride is the continent’s biggest Pride festival.
This year’s event marked three important milestones. Firstly, it was the festival’s 25th anniversary. Secondly, it’s 30 years since the adoption of the country’s post-apartheid constitution — the first in the world to explicitly prohibit unfair discrimination based on orientation.
It’s also been 20 years since the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Inspired by these anniversaries, the theme for the festival was “Ubuntu – I Am Because We Are”.
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Ubuntu is a South African term meaning we are who we are through our connection to other people. It signifies that humanity is bound up in others.
“We will not dim our light”
Cape Town Pride’s Brand Ambassador, Nkosinathi Sangweni said in a statement, “We stand rooted in Ubuntu — the truth that our lives are intertwined and our freedom woven together. This year, we honour 30 years of our Constitution and 20 years of marriage equality, reminders of a journey shaped by courage, struggle, and triumph. Even as our community continues to face real challenges, our voices rise, our stories grow louder, and our presence becomes ever more undeniable.
“Pride remains our declaration that we will not dim our light, that we will continue to love fiercely, and that we will shape a future where every one of us can stand fully seen.”
The three-week-long Cape Town Pride Festival featured film screenings, book readings, comedy shows, and a host of other queer events. It culminated in the annual Cape Town Pride Parade and Mardi Gras on 28 February. Taking part in the 2km parade were over 75 marching groups, making it the largest ever.
After the parade, Green Point Track hosted the Pride Mardi Gras. In addition to stage performances, the event included a Pride Market and a village of non-profits that featured the work of around 45 community organisations … plus a lube wrestling contest!
The event marked another success for Pride, even if rain brought the outdoor festivities to a slightly earlier-than-planned ending.
Although the biggest Cape Town Pride yet, the event is likely to grow even bigger. Organizers will this year attend Amsterdam WorldPride to officially receive the hosting torch for WorldPride 2028. It will be the first time an African nation has hosted the biennial celebration.
Check out more photos below.
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