With a month of festivities celebrating diverse cultural heritage, the carnival showcases the spirit of unity among Nigerians.
Nigerian Festivities Thrive During Calabar Carnival: A Celebration of Culture and History
Nigerian Festivities Thrive During Calabar Carnival: A Celebration of Culture and History
The annual Calabar Carnival, known as "Africa's biggest street party," drew massive crowds this weekend in Nigeria's Cross River state.
In an explosion of color and rhythm, Christmas revelers flocked to Calabar, Nigeria, this weekend for its renowned carnival, celebrated as "Africa's biggest street party." The festive occasion attracted thousands, with reports indicating attendance could reach up to two million, making the capital of Cross River state a hub of celebration during December.
The carnival, which marks 20 years of inclusive celebration, featured a vibrant parade with participants from various ethnic groups showcasing elaborate floats and eye-catching costumes. Dancers and performers brought life to the streets, dancing to infectious Afrobeats hits that reverberated from massive speakers set up throughout the area.
Among the many highlights, 14 distinct bands participated in this year's events, adding to the carnival's rich tapestry of performances and competitions. "We're witnessing an array of designs and styles in costumes," said enthusiastic attendee Grace Job. The backdrop of the carnival also highlighted deep cultural references; some performances reflected the city's historical ties to the Atlantic slave trade, including costumes representing "manillas," a traditional form of currency.
A costume showcasing Nigeria's colonial past was also on display, as a participant dressed in a giant British West Africa penny from the era preceding Nigeria's independence in 1960. "It's all about showcasing our traditions and culture," explained Rejoice Elemi, a 25-year-old dancer and civil engineering undergraduate.
The celebrations extended beyond parades, as Nigerian music stars, including Runtown and Iyanya, entrained festival-goers at a concert on Friday night, while Calas Vegas proudly secured the title of best carnival band for the second consecutive year. Beyond mere festivities, the Calabar Carnival serves as a strategic initiative by Cross River State to attract visitors from all over Nigeria and the global diaspora, amplifying its cultural narrative on the world stage.
The carnival, which marks 20 years of inclusive celebration, featured a vibrant parade with participants from various ethnic groups showcasing elaborate floats and eye-catching costumes. Dancers and performers brought life to the streets, dancing to infectious Afrobeats hits that reverberated from massive speakers set up throughout the area.
Among the many highlights, 14 distinct bands participated in this year's events, adding to the carnival's rich tapestry of performances and competitions. "We're witnessing an array of designs and styles in costumes," said enthusiastic attendee Grace Job. The backdrop of the carnival also highlighted deep cultural references; some performances reflected the city's historical ties to the Atlantic slave trade, including costumes representing "manillas," a traditional form of currency.
A costume showcasing Nigeria's colonial past was also on display, as a participant dressed in a giant British West Africa penny from the era preceding Nigeria's independence in 1960. "It's all about showcasing our traditions and culture," explained Rejoice Elemi, a 25-year-old dancer and civil engineering undergraduate.
The celebrations extended beyond parades, as Nigerian music stars, including Runtown and Iyanya, entrained festival-goers at a concert on Friday night, while Calas Vegas proudly secured the title of best carnival band for the second consecutive year. Beyond mere festivities, the Calabar Carnival serves as a strategic initiative by Cross River State to attract visitors from all over Nigeria and the global diaspora, amplifying its cultural narrative on the world stage.
