Calabar Carnival, the pride of Nigeria

We are proud to present you with one of the best carnivals in the world Calabar Carnival! Forget about celebrating carnival in Rio and instead head to Africa’s biggest party. Calabar Carnival is described as being ‘the pride of Nigeria.
The Calabar Carnival is without a doubt the biggest, best and longest tourism event in West Africa. It attracts over two million revellers and features participants from over 25 different countries. The Battle of the Bands and Street Parade is even broadcast to a television audience of around fifty million.
Africa’s best carnival Calabar Carnival is a month long celebration filled with exciting events. The highlight of Calabar Carnival is the Street Parade that features the Battle of the Bands. The Parade is only a slither of Calabar Carnivals attractions. There are ceremonies, concerts, art shows, street parties, masque events, sporting events and non-stop parties.
When is the 2020 Calabar Carnival? The 2020 Calabar Carnival runs over the whole month of December! Yes you heard that right it’s one whole month of celebrating that begins on the 1st December and finishes on New Year’s Eve the 31st December.
Calabar which is also known by the name Canann City, is a city in south-eastern Nigeria. Calabar is actually the capital city of Cross River State. Calabar sits adjacent to the Calabar and Great Kwa Rivers as well as the creeks of the Cross River.
The origins of Calabar Carnival started back in 2004 when Donald Duke the governor of Cross River, Nigeria, decided it would be the perfect way to boost tourism and the local economy. He wanted to turn Cross River State into the number one tourist destination for Nigerians.
He wanted to create a carnival that would heavily showcase the local heritage and the Calabar Carnival was a wild success! Today the carnival attracts millions of visitors throughout the entire month of December and has given the local economy a huge boost.
Ironically the biggest and best carnival in Africa, the birthplace of carnival, is actually one of the youngest carnivals in the world.
Calabar Carnival officially begins with a Tree-Lightening ceremony. In the first three weeks of carnival there are musical performances, food competitions, a solidarity march, street parties, fashion shows, a prestigious essay writing competition, art shows, traditional dances and masque events.
Some of the main events include J’ouvert Band fetes, the crowning of the Carnival Kings and Queens for each band, the Christmas Party Cultural Carnival, the children’s carnival, the Mary Slessor Golf Charity Dinner and the Annual Ekpe masquerade festival.
The Calabar Carnival wouldn’t be complete without adding sports to it! During carnival you can watch the popular soccer tournament the Carni-Cal Cup. There is also the a popular golf tournament, a boat regatta and various other sporting events.
There are many musical concerts throughout carnival that feature performances by local and international acts including Luke Dube, Fat Joe, Young Jeezy, Nelly, Kirk Franklin, Two Face Idibia and P Square.
Here at Carnivaland we recommend you check some of the local Nigerian artists out if you haven’t heard of them it’s worth having a look on YouTube as they won’t disappoint.
Do not miss the Calabar Carnival African Food Expo! This an absolute highlight of carnival! You will be able to try some amazing meals that you have most likely never had before! The air is filled with so many intoxicating aromas. Simply the best from Cometowestafrica.