Thousands gather in Cape Town to kick start festive season

More than 50,000 people gathered in Cape Town, South Africa, on December 1st to officially usher in the festive season. Themed "Cape Town: People of Hope," the event attracted large crowds to the city center for the annual Festive Lights Switch-On. 

Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town City said  “And the reason we do this enormous free concert every year, it's a tradition that’s been going on for decades. I came here as a little boy to Adderley Street to see the Christmas lights being switched on. So it’s a wonderful family tradition. It gets tens of thousands of Capetonians out together. It must be one of the biggest free concerts in the whole of South Africa.

As the mayor activated the switch, Adderley Street was transformed into a dazzling display of lights, with revelers wearing LED-lit headgear, adding to the festive atmosphere. The celebration marked the beginning of the holiday season, bringing the city to life with color and excitement.