When I was a student in Cape Town, most of the money earned from holiday jobs went to two things: beer and CDs. The first was to be found in the pubs of Claremont and the city. The latter bought second-hand from the city's vibrant flea markets. And my favorite hunting ground was the Green Point Flea Market, where I'd be sure to find a bootleg live album or late edition for my collection at a bargain price. Ah, the '90s. Good times.
But then the Green Point Flea Market went the way of CDs themselves, closing in 2009 ahead of the World Cup. However, after a 15-year break – during which the Green Point precinct has been entirely transformed – this much-loved city market is making a comeback!
Mark your diaries for Sunday, 11 May – which also happens to be Mother's Day – when this buzzing Sunday hangout will be rebooted with stalls filled with clothing, antiques, food, and bric-a-brac.
Operating every Sunday from 8am to 6pm – except during major stadium events – the revived market is intended as a multicultural celebration of Cape Town's informal trading culture, offering a space for traders, crafters, and cooks.
"This market was the heartbeat of informal trade and entrepreneurship in Cape Town. It is more than just stalls and sales, it's heritage and identity for many families," said Rosheda Muller, chairperson of the Green Point Flea Market and President of the National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa, in an interview with Cape Argus.
As with any Cape Town market worth its salt, expect everything from hand-stitched clothing and hand-crafted ceramics to flavor-packed samosas and fresh koesisters.
This is "a joyful nod to the past, and an open invitation to a vibrant future," said Muller.
Perhaps that means there will also be some CDs for sale? I'd better swing by and check.
Until it opens, check out our guide to the Best Markets in Cape Town!