The Windhoek Carnival (WIKA) is about to enter its 52nd season. Founded in 1952, the Windhoek Carnival Society and its committee members have largely contributed to Namibia‘s cultural variety. This year‘s carnival takes place between 16 April and 25 April 2004 with most events being hosted at the SKW sports hall in Olympia.

Like last year, local talents feature high on this season‘s Wika agenda. Well known dance groups like Wika‘s own Royal Guard will add lots of spice on stage, while speech artists will highlight the current political situation in a humourous and satirical fashion.

The royal couple will hand over their ceptre and crown to the new royal couple during the Royal Ball on 16 April 2004 at 20h11. This black-tie event takes place at the SKW hall in Olympia. The symbolic key to the municipal offices will also be handed over by a high-ranking city official to the new royal couple. This gesture serves to indicate that until 25 April 2004 the fate of Windhoek lies solely in the hands of the city‘s carnival fraternity.

Windhoek‘s broad public can enjoy the sight of the new royal couple during the float procession on Saturday 17 April 2004. Starting from the Railway Station‘s premises, the procession of brightly decorated floats will move through Independence Avenue from 11h11 in the morning. Thereafter the participants and the public are invited to enjoy true Namibian carnival atmosphere at the SKW in Olympia.

On Saturday evening, 17 April 2004, Windhoek‘s younger generation is invited to relax in the fun-filled atmosphere of the Youth Carnival. This short but action packed show starts at 19h11 at the SKW, after which a dance takes place. Please note that no hard liquor will be sold to minors.

At the Children‘s Carnival on Sunday, 18 April 2004 from 11h11, the new kiddies royal couple will be crowned at the SKW in Olympia. A special programme has been designed to suit the taste of the very young and their parents alike. This event should certainly not be missed.

The Ladies Evening takes place on Monday, 19 April 2004 from 19h11 at the SKW. Male carni-valists are not allowed to enter the hall and are instead invited to have fun at the Men‘s Evening, taking place in a separate venue at the SKW premises. At 22h00 men and women are invited to mingle freely until the early hours of the morning.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, 20 & 21 April 2004 the International Evenings cater especially for the cultural needs of the non-German speaking carnival community. The fun packed programme includes numerous items of dance and speech. The show starts at 19h11 on both evenings.

The Büttenabend on 22 April 2004 should be of particular interest to the German speaking community and also includes items of dance and speech. The shoe starts at 20h11.

What would a carnival be without a proper Fancy Dress Ball? This event takes place on 23 April 2004 from 20h11. A short introductory show will be followed by a dance at the SKW hall. The best costumes will be rewarded with prizes.

The Kehraus, taking place on Saturday, 24 April 2004, opens its doors at 12h00 and lasts until early evening. The penultimate event of this year‘s carnival festivity should not be missed, as it includes the most popular stage performances of the 52nd Wika.

And finally, for all those who still can‘t get enough of Wika, the traditional Oxbraai is being hosted at the SKW on Sunday, 25 April 2004 from 11h00 in the morning.

So, if you would like to get into real Namibian carnival spirit, do not hesitate to secure your tickets for this year‘s events. The venue will be the beautifully decorated SKW hall in Olympia. Tickets are available daily (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) from Tuesday 13 April 2004 from 9h00 - 11h00 on the lower level of the Gustav Voigts Centre.