The Calabar Carnival, also known as Africa’s Biggest Street Party, is an annual event that takes place in Calabar, Cross River state of Nigeria. It is a month-long festival that showcases the rich culture and traditions of the people of Nigeria through vibrant parades, music, dance, and other colorful activities. The carnival is a wonderful blend of traditional and modern elements, making it a unique and unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.The festivities begin on the 1st of December, which is the official opening ceremony, and continue till the 31st of December, when the grand finale takes place. The entire month is filled with exciting events and activities that attract thousands of people from within and outside the country.
The Origins of Calabar Carnival
The Calabar Carnival was first introduced in 2004 by the Cross River State Governor – Donald Duke. His aim was to promote unity, diversity, and tolerance among the different communities in Nigeria while also boosting tourism in the state. Today, it has grown to become one of the biggest and most attended carnivals in Africa.
The Parade Competition
The highlight of the carnival is the parade competition where different groups and communities compete against each other to showcase their cultural diversity, creativity, and dance skills. Each group is assigned a theme and costumes related to it. The streets are alive with vibrant colors, spectacular costumes, and traditional music, making it a visual feast for the spectators.The parade competition is divided into three categories – Senior, Junior, and Kiddies. The Senior category is for adult groups, Junior for teenagers, and Kiddies for young children. Each category has a winner who is selected based on their performance, costumes, and overall presentation.
Other Activities at the Carnival
Apart from the parade competition, there are several other activities taking place throughout the month of the carnival. These include traditional dances and performances, cultural exhibitions, beauty pageants, food fairs, fashion shows, and much more. Visitors also have the opportunity to shop for traditional African souvenirs and sample delicious local dishes.The last day of the carnival, 31st December, is when the grand finale takes place. It is a night of fireworks, music, and dance, as everyone comes together to celebrate the end of the carnival.
Conclusion
The Calabar Carnival is a celebration of the diverse and vibrant culture of Nigeria. It not only brings people together but also promotes tourism and boosts the economy of the state. It is a must-visit event for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Nigeria’s rich traditions and customs.
Sentences Related to Calabar Carnival – December 1 – December 31:
– The Calabar Carnival is an annual event that takes place in Calabar, Cross River state of Nigeria.
– It is a month-long festival that showcases the rich culture and traditions of the people of Nigeria through vibrant parades, music, dance, and other colorful activities.
– The festivities begin on the 1st of December and continue till the 31st of December, attracting thousands of people from within and outside the country.
– The carnival was first introduced in 2004 by the Cross River State Governor – Donald Duke, with the aim of promoting unity, diversity, and tolerance among the different communities in Nigeria.
– The highlight of the carnival is the parade competition where different groups and communities compete against each other to showcase their cultural diversity, creativity, and dance skills.
– The last day of the carnival, 31st December, is when the grand finale takes place with a night of fireworks, music, and dance.
– Apart from the parade competition, visitors can also enjoy traditional dances and performances, cultural exhibitions, beauty pageants, food fairs, and fashion shows.
– The Calabar Carnival promotes tourism and boosts the economy of the state through the influx of visitors from all over the world.
The Calabar Carnival is an annual event that takes place in Calabar, Cross River state of Nigeria. It is a month-long festival that showcases the rich culture and traditions of the people of Nigeria through vibrant parades, music, dance, and other colorful activities. The festivities begin on the 1st of December and continue till the 31st of December, attracting thousands of people from within and outside the country. The carnival was first introduced in 2004 by the Cross River State Governor – Donald Duke, with the aim of promoting unity, diversity, and tolerance among the different communities in Nigeria. The highlight of the carnival is the parade competition where different groups and communities compete against each other to showcase their cultural diversity, creativity, and dance skills. The last day of the carnival, 31st December, is when the grand finale takes place with a night of fireworks, music, and dance. Apart from the parade competition, visitors can also enjoy traditional dances and performances, cultural exhibitions, beauty pageants, food fairs, and fashion shows. The Calabar Carnival promotes tourism and boosts the economy of the state through the influx of visitors from all over the world. 
