Cross River State is in southern Nigeria. A state steeped in history, culture, and tradition, with, magnificent landscapes, a diverse wildlife, and friendly people perhaps best known for its street carnival. Calabar is bordered on the north by Benue State, to the west by Ebonyi and Abia States, to the southwest by Akwa Ibom State, and to the east by Cameroon.
Calabar Carnival is an annual carnival held in Cross River State, Nigeria. It is also known as “Africa’s Biggest Street Party” or “The Pride of Nigeria.” The carnival is conducted every December and is designated by the then-governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, as an annual event to commemorate the Christmas season. He stated that the event was created to make Cross River the home of tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa. The festival’s quality has improved with time, and it is now Nigeria’s largest carnival and internationally known event. It used to be a month-long celebration that began on December 1st. Still, the commemoration was reduced to a two-week festival by Governor Benedict Ayade in 2017 as soon as he assumed office.
The colourful festival has increased the cultural diversity of Cross River State and Nigerians while exciting millions of spectators from within and beyond the state and tourists, creating direct and indirect employment for all participants. The Carnival was cancelled in 2021, with the state governor citing health concerns stemming from the breakout of the Omicron form of COVID-19 and the current security situation as reasons for the cancellation.
Programmes of the Event
Calabar Carnival features a myriad of events during the duration of the two-weeks carnival. The event programme results from the planning of the committee in charge of the city’s tourist and cultural activities. It includes various events and subjects that vary each year.
The festival also featured music performances by local and international musicians, the annual Calabar Carnival; boat races; fashion events; beauty pageantry, Christmas Village, traditional dances, and the annual Ekpe Festival, which attracts thousands of tourists each year.
This carnival also includes an essay writing competition for secondary and higher-level students. These competitions aim to reinvigorate the state’s adolescent reading culture while simultaneously imparting the carnival culture.
Tips for Attending the Calabar Carnivals
If you plan to attend the Calabar Carnivals, we recommend scheduling your holiday, establishing an itinerary of activities, and securing your preferred hotel. Also, choose comfortable clothing and shoes to enjoy your carnival experience fully. A bottle of water also alleviates dehydration and thirst. Sun cream is recommended because the temperature may be too scorching for certain people.
The carnival organisation provides enticing packages, which may be purchased on the association’s website. Transportation, hotels, food, and tours are all included in these packages. In addition, you may incorporate extra services.
We urge that you keep an eye on your surroundings as a precaution to prevent becoming a victim of muggers, especially during the carnival season when many visitors come, and the streets are packed with people. In addition, keep valuables in safe bags or pockets, such as cell phones and cameras.
Don’t travel to strange places alone for safety reasons; try to avoid them at all costs, and if you must go, try to be accompanied. Never trust strangers and never get into their automobiles, even if they appear pleasant.
Always obey the authorities to avoid problems. Apply caution and follow the instructions.
Accommodation for the carnival
The month of December is traditionally a busy time of year.’ Most individuals plan their Christmas vacations, locations, new cuisines to try, new countries to explore, and cities to visit during this month. In addition, depending on where you are in the world, numerous events, and activities, like the Calabar Carnival, are organised throughout the festive season.
A hotel is required for visitors to a new city. However, if you are considering visiting Calabar for the Calabar Carnival and experiencing the carnival bliss, they are lovely places to stay in while in Calabar. It should be noted that hotel prices might fluctuate according on season and demand.
