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The 20th edition of Carnival Calabar has been hailed as a landmark celebration, with organisers describing it as a testament to cultural resilience, unity, and tourism growth.
Speaking exclusively to journalists, Effiong Ekpenyong, Special Adviser on Events Management and Chairman of the Carnival Calabar and Festival Committee, said the festival exceeded expectations and showcased the city’s evolution as Nigeria’s premier Christmas destination.
“Seeing the streets come alive, the bands perform with excellence, and the overwhelming turnout from both residents and visitors affirms that Carnival Calabar has truly come of age,” Ekpenyong said.
“It was more than a celebration; it was a statement of resilience, growth, and cultural continuity. This edition blended culture, entertainment, tourism, and unity in a way that we are immensely proud of.”
According to him, the success of the festival was anchored on purposeful planning, strong political will, and collective ownership.
“We enjoyed the full support of His Excellency Sen Prince Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, and the encouragement of Her Excellency Bishop Mrs Eyoawan Otu, the First Lady,” he said.
“Beyond government support, stakeholder engagement was critical – from security agencies and band leaders to performers, volunteers, sponsors, and the media. When preparation meets commitment, success is inevitable.”
This year’s festival introduced several strategic enhancements to improve the overall experience. “We focused strongly on structure, coordination, and visitor experience. Planning started earlier, inter-departmental collaboration improved, and we emphasised safety, crowd control, content quality, and time management,” Ekpenyong explained.
“We also expanded the festival programming to appeal to a wider demographic, including gospel nights, cultural exhibitions, youth-driven concerts, and family-friendly activities. Technology and improved logistics allowed us to deliver a seamless experience for all.”
Highlighting the high points of the season, Ekpenyong said the Carnival parade remained the soul of the celebration, perfectly capturing the state’s cultural diversity and communal spirit.
“Every segment had its own magic, but the unity and energy across Calabar were unparalleled. Nights of music, worship, and cultural pride reinforced the city’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading Christmas destination.”
Despite the festival’s success, organisers faced notable challenges, particularly the scale of attendance. “Interest exceeded our projections, which required real-time coordination of logistics, crowd control, traffic flow, and accommodation. Funding pressures and heightened expectations also tested our capacity, but adaptive planning, strong security collaboration, and an experienced workforce allowed us to maintain safety and quality,” Ekpenyong noted.
Preliminary figures indicate a significant increase in participation compared to previous editions. “While comprehensive data collation is ongoing, hundreds of thousands attended the Carnival parade, concerts, gospel night, cultural showcases, and ancillary events. Participation by bands, local creatives, vendors, and hospitality operators also saw notable growth. All indicators confirm that this edition set new benchmarks for engagement. The final audited figures will be officially released soon,” he added.
Ekpenyong concluded by emphasising that Carnival Calabar’s success is a reflection of Cross River State’s vision and the collective effort of its people.
“This festival demonstrates what can be achieved when passion, planning, and community converge. Carnival Calabar is no longer just an event; it is a national treasure and a symbol of our cultural identity.”
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