Festival of colours comes to Newtown

Part of eight countries and 30 cities worldwide, the Johannesburg leg of this year’s Holi Festival of Colours World Tour will transform Mary Fitzgerald Square on 14 September into a multicolour dance floor.

South Africa’s rainbow nation will come together in this open-air venue and fill the space with bright colours.

Holi is one of the largest festivals in India. It announces the arrival of Spring and the passing of Winter, and marks the victory of good over evil. During the celebrations the caste system is void, so everyone is equal. The multicolours represent equality, as everyone is equally doused in colour.

The festival hopes to introduce a joyous atmosphere, with people burying their hatchets and throwing their worries to the wind.

Every hour on the hour from 3pm a countdown culminates in partygoers throwing their powder into the air to create a massive explosion of colour. The coloured powder is environmentally friendly, non-toxic and allergen free.

The line-up includes big names such as Goldfish, Crazy White Boy (live) and DJ Fresh.

Goldfish needs no introduction to South Africa. Their genre-defying mix of live instruments and house beats make for a searing live performance.

Crazy White Boy’s music can be described as a blend of kwaito and house rhythms with elements of electro, which the duo has coined “Ghetto Tech”.

DJ Fresh is one of South Africa’s most-sought after mix masters. This much-loved DJ has shared the DJ booth with a number of internationals during his career.

Other acts to expect are Dirty Herz, The Kiffness, Speedy, Mark Stent and Royal K.

The festival begins at 12pm and ends at 8pm at Mary Fitzgerald Square, 32 Jeppe Street, Newtown.

Details: www.holifestival.com/joburg