Carnival Calabar 2024: A Celebration of Unity and Prosperity
Carnival Calabar has once again proven itself as Africa's largest street celebration. This year's event, which took place in 2024, showcased an impressive turnout of both residents and visitors, with more enthusiastic participants on the streets, enhanced entertainment offerings, significant government involvement, and increased corporate sponsorship.
It truly surpassed all previous editions in every aspect. The carnival featured seven competing bands and seven non-competing bands, parading along a 12-kilometer route filled with dancing, singing, and captivating performances. Cheerful residents and visitors lined the streets, thoroughly enjoying the festivities. A highlight of the event was the spirited competition among the bands, all striving to impress the judges and claim the title of overall champion for this year's carnival. With the theme “Our Shared Prosperity,” the event was inaugurated at Millennium Park in Calabar on December 28, 2024, by Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, who was joined by notable dignitaries, including Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State and Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, as well as representatives from the European Union and the United Nations.
Aisha Buhari, the wife of Nigeria’s former president Muhammadu Buhari, also attended the carnival with her children. The event kicked off at 1:30 PM, with bands setting off down the carnival route, led by Passion 4, an eleven-time champion, followed by the two-time winner Seagull Band, under the direction of Florence Ita-Giwa, and then Diamond, Freedom, Masta Blasta, Calas Vegas, and Bayside. Each band made commendable efforts to interpret the theme through their performances, dances, and songs. In his comments at the flag-off, Governor Otu highlighted the significance of the theme, noting its global relevance given the diverse audience present.
“There is a need to build economic, social, and cultural prosperity into what we are doing for our people to share,” Otu remarked. He also expressed gratitude for the contributions of past governors, particularly Donald Duke, who established the carnival in 2004. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State praised Governor Otu for preserving the legacies of the carnival's founders, emphasizing how it has elevated Nigeria’s profile internationally. Governor Ododo echoed these sentiments, commending the participants and local residents for their enthusiasm and dedication. Looking ahead, Governor Otu plans to further enhance the carnival by introducing more competing and non-competing bands, with a promise of a Diaspora band in the next edition.
This year’s non-competing bands included the First Bank Band, The Governor’s Band, Civil Servants Band, Market Women Band, and the University of Calabar Band, among others. As is tradition, after the official flag-off, the bands paraded along the 12-kilometer route, entertaining the crowd who cheered them on while creatively interpreting the theme at various adjudication points. The carnival route spanned from Millennium Park, through Mary Slessor Avenue, Marian Road, MCC, Murtala Mohammed Highway, and concluded at the U.J. Esuene Stadium.
