Despite Nigeria’s economic struggles, the streets of Calabar came alive with nearly two million revellers celebrating one of West Africa’s biggest street carnivals. The Calabar Carnival, known as “Africa’s Biggest Street Party”, is a highlight of the festive season in Nigeria.
Every December, the celebration draws millions of partygoers to the capital of Cross River state, organisers said. This year’s event marked the 20th anniversary of the carnival, which has grown in quality and size over the years, making it Nigeria’s biggest carnival and an internationally recognized festival.
The carnival features dancers and floats from Nigeria’s different ethnic communities, as well as performers from abroad. Participants dressed in stunning attire danced down the streets of Calabar, accompanied by giant speakers blasting Afrobeats.
For many Nigerians, the carnival provided a welcome distraction from the country’s economic woes. President Bola Tinubu’s reforms have sparked one of the worst cost-of-living crises in decades, but the carnival brought some much-needed cheer to the Christian-majority south.
The carnival is a major tourist attraction, and the state government hopes to expand it further in the future. At least 14 bands took part in performances and competitions this year, and the state governor, Bassey Otu, announced plans to add a band representing Nigerians from the diaspora.
The central government is also investing in infrastructure to support the carnival, including a 700-kilometre coast road that will cut travel time from Lagos to Calabar.
For participants like Elemi Rejoice, a 25-year-old carnival dancer, the event was a chance to showcase Nigerian culture and tradition. “Everyone is trying to showcase the tradition and the culture,” she explained.
As the carnival continues to grow in size and popularity, organisers hope it will one day rival the famous Brazil carnival. “Hopefully, we will be able to beat the Brazil carnival in the years to come because we are exhibiting our talent perfectly,” Rejoice said.
