Calabar Carnival, the largest street party in Africa flagged off in the Cross River state capital, Calabar after two years break due to Covid-19 pandemic.
The carnival which basks in ceremonial splendour and magnificent displays attracts close to 2 million local and international tourists yearly.
Speaking at the flagging off the carnival, the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade described it as “Africa’s flagship tourism event”
“The presence of the daughter of our President and my friend Amodu Sheriff shows that indeed we are one Nigeria. Today is the day we are flagging off the carnival Calabar, the main carnival proper. This carnival is Africa’s flagship tourism event,” the Governor added.
Some of the competing bands on the 12-kilometre carnival route Passion 4, Freedom, Seagull, Bayside, Masta Blasta, Diamond as well as CalasVegas.