DStv Channel 403 Thursday, 02 January 2025

Glitzy Calabar Carnival wraps up tough year in Nigeria

CALABAR - Revellers dressed in glitzy, colourful costumes danced down the streets of Calabar, southern Nigeria, this weekend as giant speakers blasted out Afrobeats for one of west Africa's most prestigious carnivals.

Every December, the celebration draws nearly two million partygoers to the capital of Cross River state, organisers said.

Calabar carnival, known as "Africa's Biggest Street Party", is the highpoint of a month of festivities that began with the switching on of the lights on a 12-metre Christmas tree.

Now in its 20th year, the carnival attracts dancers and floats from Nigeria's different ethnic communities, as well as performers from abroad. 

'Detty December' -- local slang that loosely means end-of-year merrymaking -- spreads Christmas cheer in the Christian-majority south, providing something of a reprieve from harsh economic realities. 

The Calabar carnival, first held in 2004, is its highlight.

At least 14 bands took part in performances and competitions this year.

The Calabar Carnival is in its 20th year
AFP | OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT

Cross River governor Bassey Otu said the state had nurtured and expanded the carnival over the years.

It hopes in future to add a band representing Nigerians from the diaspora, who attend in increasing numbers, and attract more tourists.

The central government is already building a 700-kilometre coast road that will cut travel time from the commercial hub of Lagos to Calabar.

That could open up the festival to more out-of-state participants. 

Paid Content