Curious about the Cape Town Carnival?

15 March 2014

Curiosity had brought me to the 5th Cape Town Carnival, an annual event hosted by the city to create a Carnival which showcases and celebrates the diversity of South Africa.

This year the theme was ‘imagine’ and I couldn’t possibly imagine the magical ride the city was going to take me on.

At first I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about and arrogantly I even moaned that there was not enough energy and atmosphere compared to the festivals I had experienced in Spain.

Boy, was I surely mistaken! I apologise profusely to the City of Cape Town and the Cape Town Carnival.

My night was filled with an infectious energy. As I walked down Somerset Road my excitement built up with each step I took; I marveled at each float as it glided by and my body could not resist the beats of music emanating from the parade.

I am sure I will not stand alone when I make this statement and all those that were at the Carnival, young and old, would agree with me - I am proud to call this incredible city home.

I have stitched together a few photos and video clips of the evening to showcase the city’s diversity and the power of creativity. I am sure it will delight you as much as the evening did for me and if not I am sure it will spark your curiosity; so make a note in your diaries and see you next year at the 6^th Cape Town Carnival!

A 6 m tall, multi-coloured African Dream Doll, sponsored by Tsogo Sun, was the first float to tickle peoples’ imaginations.

“Imagination is the magic ingredient that makes new things possible and transforms old and outdated ideas. If you can’t imagine it, it’s hard to believe you can do it. We want to tickle people’s imagination with a sense of possibility,” says Cape Town Carnival’s Creative Director Brad Baard.

The Cape Town Carnival celebrates the diversity of our African identity – our diversity of culture, language, religion and musical genre.

A procession is lead by a Lead Performer who encourages a festive atmosphere with their euphoric energy.

From belly dancers to Spanish bulls and super cycles, all is possible at the Cape Town Carnival.

A vision of the Carnival is to provide opportunities for community participation in arts and culture and create employment and training opportunities in costume, float design and production, subsequently empowering the youth by providing them with the necessary skills they need to enter the job market.

The Carnival encompasses up to 2 500 dancers who form part of a carnival academy. Each academy has an average of 200 dancers, dressed in identical costumes and performing carefully choreographed dance moves.

Together with the Cape Town Carnival creative team, DHL Express have been working with children’s non-profit organization Project Playground to design a float that represents a borderless world. The children from the organization were asked to submit design ideas for the float in line with the Carnival theme ‘imagine’. Elements of their designs were then incorporated into the final design of the float. 

Diversity and creativity comes alive at the Carnival with vibrant music, colourful costumes, energetic dance routines and magnificent floats.

Anyone who was at Afrika Burn 2013 would recognise this party on the move.

The Cape Town Carnival has accumulated a large variety of costumes, floats and props which are for hire and it is said that it has become a tradition for some of the costumes to appear in unusual places, such as at Afrika Burn.

The procession starts at 7pm and all too soon the spirit of the Carnival ignites an energy in everyone on Somerset Road. 

I have saved my favourite float till last; a beautiful Protea that revealed dancers within the centre.

Italy’s fight for freedom and democracy on Janiculum Hill

29th of August to 2nd of September 2013

This was actually our second visit to Janiculum Hill or Gianicolo as it is written in Italian. The first time was by accident and the second with intent, in actual fact, and I can’t believe it, our first time here over all the years we have visited Rome.

The first time we stumbled upon this area was when we were trying to make our way to a restaurant a cousin had recommended but instead we got hopelessly lost. That is another story to tell for another day but needless to say, after at least two bus rides, exploration of the metro system and a tram ride, followed by another bus ride; we arrived at the restaurant, wanting to kiss the waiter as she led us to a table.

Having arrived at Carlo Menta after an excitingly, frustrating journey

As travelling karma goes, out of the bad luck of getting lost, we were rewarded with something beautiful. While sitting on the bus, winding up the curvy road to the top of Janiculum Hill, my frustration dissipated as I watched people strolling along the promenade, shaded by tall trees, feeling mystified by the view over the city at sunset.

It is simply beautiful and I silently thought to myself how nice it would be to return and explore. Luckily, on our last day in Rome, time allowed for an excursion before we had to go to the airport and Janiculum Hill sprang to mind.

One of the views from Janiculum Hill

Rome is known as the city of seven hills but in fact has more than that. Although the Janiculum is the second tallest hill in the contemporary city of Rome, it is not listed among the seven famous hills as it lies outside the borders of the ancient city.

Situated above the Vatican and Trastevere neighbourhood, the Janiculum Hill lies to the west of Rome and Tiber River, outside the ancient city walls, but offers beautiful panoramic views.

Saint Peter’s Basilica viewed from Janiculum Hill

The Janiculum Hill does not only present the visitor with a pretty face and a view of Rome’s ancient landmarks but it allows one the opportunity to learn about the more modern history of Italy and the Italian Risorgimento, the 19th century movement that unified modern Italy.

The Constitution Wall by Annalaura Spalla has inscribed the entire 1849 Constitution of the Roman Republic.

In 1849 the Janiculum was the scene of a memorable battle where the revolutionary Roman Republic, led by Garibaldi, fought against French troops which were attacking Rome to abolish the Republic and restore the temporal power of the Pope over Rome.

Many young men came from all over Italy and Europe to fight for the ideals of freedom and democracy represented by the Roman Republic. Many young men sacrificed their lives fighting on the Janiculum Hill.

When Rome became the capital of the unified Italy, the Janiculum Hill was considered a symbol of the national identity and a memorial park called the Parco Gianicolense was created. Monuments in honour of all those who had fought for a united, free and independent country, can be found on the Janiculum Hill.

One can walk across the lawn where busts are scattered about, recalling personages of the Risorgimento who had fought in the wars of Italian independence. One of the fallen comrades was a young man, Goffredo Mameli, a 21 year old poet who wrote the Italian national anthem.

The largest monument of the Janiculum is a statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi on horseback, located at the centre of a small piazza. It was designed by Emilio Gallori and built in 1895. The words ‘Roma o Morte’ (Rome or Death) are inscribed on the monument.

The monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi on Janiculum Hill.

Another monument honouring a brave soldier in the fight for independence and my favourite one on Janiculum Hill is the monument in Piazzale Anita Garibaldi, honouring Giuseppe Garibaldi’s wife, Ana Maria de Jesus Ribeiro da Silva who is known as Anita Garibaldi. 

Anita Garibaldi's body lies in the base of the monument.

She was born in Brazil in 1821 and was Garibaldi’s inseparable partner in the fight for the freedom of the people in America and in Europe. 

The statue was inspired by an event during the war fought for the freedom and the independence of the Rio Grande do Sul Republic. While Garibaldi was away, his camp at Mostardas was attacked during the night. Anita managed to escape by jumping onto a horse with her new born baby.

Each scene on the monument illustrates Anita’s bravery and courage during her life. 

The front panel depicts Anita leading a rank of soldiers across the pampas.

The side panel portrays Anita’s anxiety as she frantically searches for Garibaldi, amongst the bodies of the soldiers that had fallen, on the battle field of Curitibanos.

The back panel depicts an ill and exhausted Anita in Garibaldi’s arms.

Anita had escaped the Austrians who were hunting them down after the glorious defence of Rome and they had safely reached the Coast of Romagna to a hamlet near Ravenna. However, the struggle for freedom had taken its toll on Anita and she died on a farm, in this hamlet near Ravenna on 4 August 1849 at the young age of 28.

Our walk on Janiculum Hill and our journey back in time was most interesting.  I felt that it had rounded off our Italy trip on a nice note as not only did we have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the ancient history of the Roman Empire but we also learnt about the battles fought by the people to unify Italy as we know it today. 

There is also fun to be had on Janiculum Hill where children can go for pony rides and play in a games room, with even a Ferris wheel

In Roman mythology, Janiculum is the name of an ancient town founded by the god Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings; quite ironic when you think that Janiculum Hill played a significant role in a united Italy beginning its journey of independence.

Arrivederci, Roma

Our journey in Italy had come to an end but with every ending, comes a new beginning, with many more adventures still to be had.

Ten interesting facts learnt at Saint Peter’s Basilica

29th of August to 2nd of September 2013

Saint Peter’s Basilica, built on the Vatican Hill across the river from the historic centre of Rome, has a history that stretches back 2 000 years.

Saint Peter’s Square is bordered by gigantic colonnades that symbolise outstretched arms. Adorning the balustrades on the colonnades are 140 statues of saints carved by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his assistants.

It is simply impossible to write about all the fascinating facts hidden within its walls, art and presence. However, here are ten interesting and charming facts that I learnt on our visit to Saint Peter’s.

Saint Peter’s Square is decorated with fountains and an Egyptian obelisk that was transported to Rome in 37 AD.

1. It’s not an easy feat to become a Papal Swiss Guard

The Papal Swiss Guard was founded in 1506, responsible for the safety of the Pope. To be a Swiss Guard one has quite a checklist to complete.

A Papal Swiss Guard standing to attention.

One needs to be a male, unmarried Roman Catholic with Swiss citizenship, between 19 and 30 years of age, at least 1.74 metres tall and must complete basic training with the Swiss military.

2. Saint Peter’s bones are believed to lie buried beneath the alter of the basilica

Saint Peter died a martyr and it is believed that he was buried on this site in 64 AD. He was the first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession.

The alter of the chair of Saint Peter, Cathedra Petri by Bernini was completed in 1666 and was created to enclose the wooden throne of Saint Peter.

In 1953 a set of bones were found during excavations around the spot rumoured to be where Saint Peter is buried.  Archaeologists argue that the bones found where indeed Saint Peters due to assumptions based on the evidence.

Testing revealed that the bones belonged to a man in his 60’s which is the age Peter would have been. Earth was also encrusted on the bones and Peter was originally buried directly in the dirt. Furthermore, the bones had remnants of purple thread, a colour of cloth that only would have been worn by someone who was royal or held a holy position.

3. The basilica you see, is actually not the original

The original basilica was completed by Emperor Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome, in 349 AD.

In the middle of the 15th century, the basilica was in serious disrepair and although Pope Nicolas V started restorations, plans were halted after his death. Progress only continued in 1506, when Pope Julius II decided to build a completely new church with Donato Bramante appointed as the chief architect.

After Bramante’s death he was succeeded by a number of different architects, most notable Micheangelo.

The church was finally reconsecrated in 1626, 1 300 years after the consecration of the first church.

4. Saint Peter is not the official seat of the Pope

To contrary belief, Saint Peter’s is not a cathedral, nor is it the official seat of the Pope. San Giovanni in Laterano holds this honour. However, Saint Peter is one of four Papal Basilicas or Major Basilicas of Rome.

Saint Peter’s is a significantly important church to Catholics but it is hard to argue that it is an incredible feat of architecture and art.

It is the most prominent building in the Vatican City and the largest church in Christendom, covering an area of 2,3 hectares. The basilica has a floor space of 15 160 m2 and the nave is 211,5 m long.

5. The façade of the basilica is 115 m wide

The high façade of the basilica, designed by Maderno, measures 115 m wide and 45,5 m high. It is crowned with 5,7 m tall statues of Christ, John the Baptist and eleven apostles.

Two large clocks are placed on each top corner of the façade, supported by angels and decorated with the papal crest. The oldest bell in the clock on the left dates back to 1288.

The inscription below the cornice reads, ‘In honorem principis Apost Pavlvs v Bvrghesivs Romanvs Pont Max an MDCXII Pont VII’, meaning, ‘In honour of the Prince of Apostles, Paul V Borghese, a Roman, Supreme Pontiff, in the year 1612, the seventh of his pontificate’.

On either side of the façade, you will see two statues that are significantly larger than the ones that adorn the top of the façade. These statues represent the patron saints of Rome; Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

6. You stand in awe in the presence of great artists

When you enter Saint Peter’s Basilica, you are immediately struck in awe by the sheer size of this magnificent building and the amount of detail that each artist and architect contributed.

Designed by Micheangelo, the Dome measures 42 m in diameter and reaches a height of 136.5 m, from the floor of the basilica to the top of the external cross.

It can be quite overwhelming to walk the floors of the basilica and admire the many large statues, monuments and paintings as they are literally everywhere. From floor to ceiling, in each little corner and crevice, there is art to capture in your mind and memory.

Walking through the basilica and in the presence of the work by great artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, Bernini and the like, will leave you mesmerised.

The greatest Italian architects of the era built the basilica over hundreds of years and slowly, the world’s largest church was erected, standing testament to man’s faith and the grandeur of Renaissance architecture.

Set in niches within the four piers supporting the dome are the statues associated with the basilica's holy relics. This is Saint Helena, holding the True Cross, sculpted by Andrea Bolgi.

7. Pietà is Michelangelo’s only work that bears his signature

As you enter the first chapel, on your right, you will immediately be drawn to Michelangelo’s  Pietà, a beautiful carved marble sculpture depicting Mary holding the body of her son. It was created in 1499-1500.

Michelangelo, on hearing that people were attributing his work to another artist, etched his name on the ribbon that runs across Mary’s chest.

8. The dome of Saint Peter’s is the tallest in the world

I must admit that this was our first time in Saint Peter’s Dome. One has the option of either climbing the stairs or taking the elevator to the rooftop terrace; however, the elevator will only safe you 177 steps.

From the roof terrace you have the option to climb 491 steps to reach the top of Micheangelo’s dome and enter the bell tower.

Winding up the narrow staircase, leaning sideways as the walls start to slant, you have to hang on to a rope and pull yourself up as no railing is available. However, the uneasy climb is well worth it as you break into a vault of intricate mosaic and stucco ornaments, coming to live against the gold backgrounds.

Mosaics adorning Michelangelo’s dome.

Wrapping themselves around the dome, one can read the words from Matthew’s Gospel, ‘Tu es Petrus et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam mean et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum’, meaning ‘You are 'Rock' and on this rock I will build my Church, to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven’.

The letters of the words from Matthew’s Gospel are 2 m high, putting into perspective the vastness of the Dome, especially as you look down into the nave of the church and see the tiny figures of tourists scurrying about.

There are sixteen large windows, letting in light to illuminate the artwork. Above the windows, the dome is divided into sixteen segments, decorated by majestic figures on six ascending concentric levels. Each level represents popes buried in the basilica; Christ, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist and various Apostles; and angels bearing the instruments of Jesus' Passion. 

 In the centre, the 18 m long eye penetrates the lantern and as in a vision, the light comes to rest on the figure of God the Father.

9. The Pope’s garden, the Vatican Gardens

Climbing up to the bell tower, you are able to walk along a terrace and enjoy a view of the Vatican Gardens.

There is no general access to the garden, unless one goes on a guided tour of which there are a limited numbers. However, one can still admire the beautiful landscaped gardens, which date back to medieval times, from above.

Vibrant flower beds and topiary decorate the Vatican Gardens.

The gardens cover a space of 23 hectares and include a 3 hectare forest. Within the gardens one will see a variety of medieval fortifications, buildings and monuments from the 9th century to the present day, fountains, sculptures, an artificial grotto devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes, and an olive tree donated by the government of Israel.

The Palace of the Governorate of Vatican City State.

10. Meet the Pope on Sunday at noon

Each Sunday one can make their way to Saint Peter’s square where Pope Francis will appear at the window of his apartment to give a short speech, followed by the Angelus and ending with a blessing.

The Pope draws pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, including the Costa family on our last Sunday in Rome.

Large groups gather, waving their flags and banners, in anticipation of the arrival of the much loved Pope Francis.

When he arrived the crowd erupted into a grand applause filled with respect, admiration and pride.

Pope Francis greeted the crowds with a graceful sincerity and proceeded with an uplifting sermon on ending the wars and encouraging world peace, challenging people to take a stand. He invited those he addressed in the square and those that would have been watching him on TV, in the following week, representing a voice to the world to end war.

It was a beautiful, moving experience, instilling in you a sense of hope and serenity. I left Saint Peter’s feeling the humbleness of faith in my heart.