Calabar Carnival, December street festival in Calabar, Nigeria
The carnival spans across Calabar with five competing bands, each comprising 3,000 participants wearing elaborate costumes and performing choreographed routines through designated routes.
Former governor Donald Duke established the Calabar Carnival in 2004 to develop tourism and create economic opportunities in Cross River State.
Participants display Nigerian heritage through traditional dances, music performances, masquerade displays, and regional food exhibitions during the month-long celebration.
Visitors need to secure accommodation months in advance as December brings over two million attendees to Calabar for the carnival celebrations.
The carnival includes specific events like the Bikers Parade, Children's Carnival, and Beauty Pageant, each scheduled on different days throughout December.
Inception: 2004
Founders: Donald Duke
GPS coordinates: 4.96851,8.34080
Latest update: May 11, 2025 06:54
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