Calabar, The Nation's Paradise



Nigeria is one of the largest country in west Africa, and the Giant of Africa.
Nigeria has 36 states, and I will be talking about one of the cities(Calabar) in Cross River State, which happens to be a State in Nigeria.

Calabar is the capital of Cross River State, which happens to be the first Capital of Nigeria. 
It can be accessed via road, flight or by sea. 
Every december, Calabar hosts one of the biggest street party in Africa and i’d love to talk about it today. 

History of the Calabar Carnival

The carnival was an idea thought of and developed by former Cross Rivers State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke. 
Mr. Donald Duke’s vision was to see that Cross Rivers state becomes the a hub for tourism and hospitality in Africa.
It was eventually inaugurated in 2004 with pomp and pageantry.

Calabar Carnival Important Facts and Figures

  • It is an annual festival held in Calabar Cross Rivers State.
  • It is held between the 1st and 31st of December.
  • The regulatory body for the Calabar Carnival is the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission.
  • The festival is tagged the biggest street party in Africa.
  • It has featured international artistes like late Lucky Dube, Akon, Fat Joe, Young Jeezy, Nelly, Kirk Franklin.
  • In 2013, the festival musical concert was headlined for the first time by a local artiste.

Major Events held During The Carnival

The Calabar Carnival is always a beehive of activities; some of the major events slated for the carnival are; Music performance, Cultural display, Fashion shows, Boat Regatta, Christmas show, Boat villages and Carol Night

Tips to guide you during Calabar festival

In as much as the festival is a time to get loose, one should also take extra precaution as regards safety and obeying all rules intended for the festival. Some of these tips include;
  • Always keep your GSM handset in a safe place.
  • Wear shoes that are comfortable for you throughout the festival to reduce the stress of prolonged standing.
  • Visitors are advised to take a lot of water to avoid dehydration.
  • Visitors are advised to eat well before leaving home.
  • Always obey the rules and regulation of band leaders and section leaders.
  • Get a handkerchief or face towel.
  • Wear clothes that give you freedom.
  • Visitors are advised to use sunglasses 

Things to avoid during Calabar festival

  • No chanting of anti-government slogans.
  • Do not make trouble with anyone by using provocative statement.
  • Do not go against law enforcement agencies and traffic rules.
  • Do not carry dangerous objects like knife, guns etc.
  • Avoid taking alcohol and hard drugs during the festival.
  • Avoid littering the streets with nylons, wrappers and other used objects.
  • Do not create argument with band leaders and section leaders.
  • Indiscriminate urination should be avoided, always use the approved toilets.

Cultural Parade

This is one of the highlights of the competition. Usually cultural bands from different states of the country would go in a procession from streets to street to the admiration of all.
The cultural bands put on very colourful costumes which are made in the country. Visitors usually line up on the streets to watch this colourful display from the bands.


above images were culled from google
Economic Importance of the Festival to the State

There is no doubt that Calabar Carnival has created enormous wealth for the people of the state since its inception in 2004. Here are some of the contributions to the state.

Revenue Generation

The Cross River state government has been able to generate sufficient funds through various companies and organization that acts as brand to the festival. Some of its major sponsors are Dangote, First bank, Zenith bank, Ecobank etc

Job creation

Ever since its inception the festival has created direct and indirect jobs to thousands of people in the state.

Peace and well-being

The festival has helped to strengthen the bonds that exist among people of the state through shared activities.

How Calabar carnival is celebrated

The carnival begins from a 12 km walk starting from the UJ Esuene Stadium passing through Mary Slessor road to Ndidem Usang Iso and MCC Road before finally ending at the stadium.
The carnival band is made up of the Kings and Queen, the Children Band and the Adult and main band.
The band includes the:
1. Passion 4
2. Bayside
3. Seagull
4. Masta Blasta
5. Freedom Band

If you would like to know more about travel and hospitality in Nigeria, click About Nigeria - timbu.com/nigeria


above images were culled from google 


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