Frills, thrills of Carnival Calabar

It was again another exciting street party for residents of and visitors to the Cross River State capital, Calabar as they were entertained by the different carnival bands in colours, costumes, dance and music. These were further enriched by new innovations and creativity as each of the five bands tried to outdo one another in […]

It was again another exciting street party for residents of and visitors to the Cross River State capital, Calabar as they were entertained by the different carnival bands in colours, costumes, dance and music. These were further enriched by new innovations and creativity as each of the five bands tried to outdo one another in interpreting the theme.
In its efforts and commitment to sustaining and developing the tourism industry, the state government went all out to supporting the five bands, Bayside, Freedom, Passion 4, Seagull and Masta Blasta, as private investors also significantly contributed the goal.
The fete which began with a buildup of a variety of festivities ranging from cultural, musical, film, sports, fashion and beauty pageantry events on December 1, climaxed with the street party. For many who witnessed the month-long fiesta, the street party was the reason they were in the ancient town.
In its tenth edition, the carnival has grown from being one man’s dream to an asset owned not only by ‘crossriverians’ but by Nigerians as a whole and some diehard global fans which now join in making it an international celebration.
This year it was witnessed by families who had travelled from all over as well as visitors who from its first edition have made it a destination for their Christmas holidays. 
It attracted performances form Nigerian artistes this time around as organizers stated that as much as possible the event should enrich local acts.
Declaring the party open at the Millennium Park, Cross River State governor, Liyal Imoke, said, “the state’s practical commitment at using tourism products in the state to empower the people and grow the economy.
“Now that we do not have oil, the rich tourism deposit in the state, which is our strength, would be explored it to our advantage.”
Imoke added that, “The theme of the carnival, which is challenging in terms of interpretation as it revolves round the state-of-the–state of Cross River will help us to re-strategise and build different brand products to run all year through.”
On Christmas Day at the U. J. Eusene Stadium all present were treated to a colourful and eccentric parade of the senior and junior carnival kings and queens who contested for the crown.
In the same tempo Boxing Day dished out various entertainment pieces of music and dance as the children showed off their expertise and dexterity in their own carnival which took off from the Calabar Botanical Garden through the five-kilometer carnival route. This was a major provocation of appetites of what awaited spectators on the d-day. The Armed Forces of Nigeria had a band which added tonic to the day with their display.
They entertained and educated spectators of the uniqueness of the cultures in their costumes, body art, musical instruments, songs and well choreographed steps.
The adult Carnival which held on Friday December 27, feted thousands of spectators who had lined up the twelve kilometer carnival route as they strategically positioned themselves to get ample views of the goings-on.
There were displays by the five regular bands as well as a new addition, Nollywood band, which featured some of Nigeria’s notable actors and actresses including O.C. Ukeje (Two Brides and a Baby) and Eyinna Nwigwe (Black November).
Foreign troupes including Trinidad and Tobago’s steel band and Rwandan National Dance Troupe graced the month of events.
With an entrée of drums Masta Blasta Band and second time consecutive winner of the Carnival Calabar already got all on eyes on them with audience already speculating that they had the best performance of the night.
It was no surprise to many, that with the energetic displays that came from the tutelage of a master like Kafee, Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gab Onah announced them winner,.
For Mrs. Obioma Imoke the Carnival has become a cultural theatre on the street.
Mrs. Imoke said the Carnival has grown beyond a mere leisure and fun to a soaring innovation, showcasing the pride of the people with variety of cultural entertainment.
“Our carnival is improving by the year with newer packages and features to challenge and bring out the best in the presentations of the bands to beat the expectations of the spectators, tourists and visitors. With the rave of the presentation and aesthetics we added to pep up the annual outing, the carnival has become a cultural theatre on the street of Calabar.
“We have transformed cultural entertainment through Carnival Calabar from a stage to a street affair for the people not only to enjoy, but also to participate,” she added.