The Calabar Carnival, often known as Africa’s Biggest Street Party, was aimed to promote Cross River State as Nigeria’s top tourist destination and attract people from all over the world. This dynamic celebration, held yearly from December 1st to December 31st, has considerably enriched Nigeria’s cultural history.
The carnival provides a great opportunity for visibility and market awareness, proving Cross River State’s image as a tourism, carnival culture, and hospitality hotspot. The Calabar Carnival, known as one of Africa’s most colorful and inclusive celebrations, has become a source of pride for both the state and Africa as a whole.
Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke created this annual event as part of the Christmas festivities. His ambition was to establish Cross River State as a top tourism and hospitality destination in Nigeria and Africa. The carnival has received global praise over the years, living up to its reputation of Africa’s Biggest Street Party.
The Calabar Carnival has grown over time to become Nigeria’s largest carnival as well as an internationally recognized festival. The event was originally scheduled to last a month, from December 1st to December 31st, but was reduced to two weeks under the administration of former Cross River State Governor Benedict Ayade.
During the 2017 carnival, Governor Ayade stressed the festival’s importance in recognizing Africa’s rich history. He emphasized that the carnival serves as a platform to highlight Africa as the richest and most blessed continent, instilling pride in the next generation.
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How Is Calabar Carnival Celebrated?
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has revealed the theme for the 2024 Calabar Carnival: “Our Shared Prosperity.” This marks Governor Otu’s second carnival as governor, following last year’s theme, “Season of Sweetness.”
The festival, which runs from December 1st to 31st, welcomes not only Calabar indigenes and the Efik tribe, but all lovers of culture and celebration. It provides a unique opportunity for individuals from a variety of backgrounds to immerse themselves in the region’s rich traditions.
Adding to the excitement, the event has a Carnival lottery in which attendees can guess the winning carnival band, bringing suspense and thrill to the festivities. Calabar Carnival has always been a dynamic and colorful event, with competitions offering considerable cash prizes and other rewards.
The festival features performances by both national and international artists, including Lucky Dube, Fat Joe, Young Jeezy, Nelly, Kirk Franklin, Tuface Idibia, and P-Square. It also hosts a variety of cultural and entertainment events, including fashion displays, beauty pageants, boat regattas, traditional dances, and the well-known Annual Ekpe Festival, which attracts visitors from around Nigeria and beyond.
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Why Do We Celebrate the Calabar Carnival?
The Calabar Carnival was envisioned by Donald Duke, the former governor of Cross River State, to position the state as a leading hub for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and across Africa.
His mission was to celebrate and preserve local heritage while showcasing it to a global audience. This ambitious initiative has since surpassed expectations, transforming into Nigeria’s biggest street party and an internationally recognized cultural festival.
Every year, the tourism and cultural activities committee carefully organizes the carnival program to strike a balance between tradition and innovation. While new concepts are added each year, the event’s traditions remain firmly rooted.
Past editions have showcased a wide range of activities, including:
Football competitions
Musical performances by local and international artists
The iconic Calabar Carnival parade
Boat regattas
Fashion shows
Beauty pageants
Traditional dances
Essay-writing competitions
These activities not only spotlight Nigerian culture but also emphasize the unique diversity and energy of Cross River State, making the Calabar Carnival a cornerstone of cultural celebration and tourism excellence.
