By : Lloyd Mahachi 

The city of Calabar, located in the southern part of Nigeria, has once again come alive with the sounds of music, dance, and laughter as the annual Calabar Carnival kicked off. Dubbed “Africa’s biggest street party,” the carnival has been a major tourist attraction for the past 20 years, drawing in millions of visitors from all over the world.

This year’s edition of the carnival promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a month-long celebration of music, dance, and culture. The carnival features a wide range of activities, including parades, concerts, and cultural performances. The parades, which are a major highlight of the carnival, feature elaborate costumes, floats, and dancers from many of Nigeria’s different ethnic groups.

The carnival is a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, and it provides a platform for the country’s diverse ethnic groups to showcase their unique traditions and customs. The parades are a kaleidoscope of colors, with participants dressed in elaborate costumes, including silver tops, orange pom-pom skirts, and giant feathered headdresses.

The carnival also features a range of musical performances, including Afrobeats, Highlife, and traditional Nigerian music. The concerts, which take place at various venues throughout the city, feature some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, including Runtown and Iyanya. The music is a major draw for the carnival, with thousands of people gathering to dance and sing along to the latest hits.

In addition to the music and dance, the carnival also features a range of cultural performances, including traditional dances, acrobatic displays, and theatrical performances. The performances are a showcase of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, and they provide a unique insight into the country’s history and traditions.

The carnival is not just a celebration of Nigerian culture, but also a major tourist attraction. The event draws in millions of visitors from all over the world, providing a significant boost to the local economy. The carnival is a major source of revenue for the city, with many businesses benefiting from the influx of tourists.

The organizers of the carnival are proud of what they have achieved, and they are committed to making the event even bigger and better in the future. “We are seeing different designs, different costumes,” said attendee Grace Job. “The energy is so much.” The carnival is a true celebration of Nigerian culture, and it provides a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.

The carnival has also become an important platform for social commentary and activism. Many of the costumes and performances feature themes related to social justice, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. The carnival provides a unique opportunity for artists and performers to express themselves and to raise awareness about important issues.

As the carnival continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that it will remain an important part of Nigerian culture and identity. The event provides a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, and it is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you are a music lover, a dance enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates Nigerian culture, the Calabar Carnival is an event not to be missed.

The city of Calabar is proud to host the carnival, and the state government is committed to supporting the event. The government recognizes the importance of the carnival as a tourist attraction and as a celebration of Nigerian culture. The carnival is a major source of revenue for the state, and it provides a significant boost to the local economy.

As the carnival comes to a close, the city of Calabar will be left to bask in the glow of a successful event. The carnival has once again proven itself to be a major tourist attraction, and it has provided a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. The event will be remembered for years to come, and it will continue to be an important part of Nigerian culture and identity.

The Calabar Carnival is a true celebration of Nigerian culture, and it provides a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. The event is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage, and it is a major tourist attraction. Whether you are a music lover, a dance enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates Nigerian culture, the Calabar Carnival is an event not to be missed.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi