Calabar witnessed a momentous event on Thursday as the bands took the spotlight during the ongoing cultural festival, “Calabar Carnival.” The vibrant parade, spanning 12 kilometres, featured bands adorned in colourful costumes, captivating the audience of residents, tourists, and fun seekers.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River officially inaugurated the parade, expressing the ambition to elevate the carnival to an international brand. He emphasized the goal of positioning Cross River as the premier tourism destination in Nigeria.
Speaking to the Press, tourists from Lagos hailed the Calabar carnival as the largest street party in Nigeria. Adebayo Adeyanju, a medical practitioner attending with his family, described the event as a spectacle and urged the Cross River government to develop other tourism potentials for year-round activities.
Canadian visitor Clara Frederick commended the warm reception by Calabar residents, expressing her desire to return in 2024.
The Press reported heightened security measures throughout the city, especially along the carnival route, to prevent a recurrence of the tragic 2022 incident. Stringent measures were implemented following an incident where a vehicle recklessly entered the carnival route, resulting in casualties.
The participating bands are tasked with interpreting the carnival’s theme, “The Season of Sweetness.” Judged by a panel, the winning band will receive a cash prize. Notable contenders include the Master Blaster Band, Seagull Band, Diamond Band, Bayside Band, Passion Four Band, and Calas Vegas Band.
In the midst of the festive fervour, the carnival aims to reshape its international brand, captivating spectators with the richness of Nigerian culture and entertainment.