The Cape Town minstrel carnival occurs annually on the 2nd of January. This festival celebrates the Cape Malay musical tradition (Kaapse Klopse) and includes thousands of costumed minstrels divided into troupes, who parade through the streets of the city centre. Interviews investigate the context, history and development of the Coon Carnival. Themes include: carnival routes; competitions and event histories; costume; crime; musical practices; political environment; professional backgrounds; troupe politics and hierarchies.