Grand Parade
The Grand Parade is an iconic Cape Town space, the main public square in Cape town,
Located between what is today known as Lower Plein Street, Darling Street and Buitenkant Street in the Cape Town City centre, it is adjacent to the Castle of Good Hope and opposite the Cape Town City Hall. Originally named Wapen Plein ("Square of Arms") in 1652, it was the site of Jan van Riebeek’s original Fort de Goede Hoop. However when the fort was later demolished to be replaced by Castle of Good Hope, the grounds - now associated with the military barracks - became known as the Grand Parade and was long used by the garrison as a training ground. The Drill Hall was constructed on the one corner in 1884, to provide protection for the soldiers on parade during inclement weather.
Today the Grand Parade is predominantly used as a market and parking space for commuters.
The Grand Parade can accommodate up to 250 000 people and over the course of its existence has therefore served as a venue for all kinds of public events, including the Cape Carnival, political gatherings and vast protest meetings, and numerous celebratory events, such as the end of World War II, the inauguration of Nelson Mandela or the announcement of the host nation for the World Cup.
