Skip to main content

Nigerians Light Up Calabar with Africa's Biggest Street Party





Calabar, the bustling port city in southern Nigeria, came alive this weekend as locals and visitors joined in the famed Calabar Carnival, dubbed "Africa's biggest street party." The annual celebration, now marking two decades, drew an estimated two million attendees, showcasing Nigeria's rich culture and diversity through dazzling floats, colorful costumes, and vibrant music.



Participants from various ethnic groups across Nigeria adorned the streets with a kaleidoscope of designs and performances. From glittering sequin outfits to traditional symbols referencing the city’s history in the Atlantic slave trade, the costumes were as meaningful as they were stunning.



Afrobeats tunes filled the air as carnival-goers danced alongside at least 14 bands competing in high-energy performances. The event also featured star-studded concerts, with Nigerian artists Runtown and Iyanya delivering electric shows on Friday night.




Grace Job, an attendee, described the atmosphere as electric: "We are seeing different designs, different costumes. The energy is so much."



The festivities also highlighted Calabar’s historical significance, with some costumes reflecting colonial-era motifs like the British West Africa penny, symbolizing Nigeria's journey from colonization to independence.



Organized by Cross River State, the carnival aims to boost tourism and connect Nigerians to their heritage. Its global appeal continues to attract visitors from the diaspora, cementing its reputation as Nigeria’s largest cultural event.



With its mix of history, music, and dance, the Calabar Carnival remains a testament to Nigeria's rich cultural tapestry and its people's unyielding spirit of celebration.


Comments

Popular posts

Top Science Student Stuns Social Media With Excellent WAEC Results but Cries Out Over Poor English Grade

Lagos, Nigeria — The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, sparking a wave of emotions across Nigeria as students share their scores online. Among the voices drawing attention is Uchenna , a science student whose academic performance has gone viral for an unexpected reason. After logging in to check his result, Uchenna proudly posted his grades on social media, revealing stellar marks across most subjects — including A1 in Marketing and Chemistry , B2 in Civic Education , Biology , Physics , and Computer Studies , and B3 in Mathematics . However, his celebration was overshadowed by a D7 in English Language , prompting a heartfelt outcry that resonated with thousands online. “After passing all subjects with As and Bs, I got D7 in English. How?” he lamented in his post, sparking widespread reactions and conversations about the grading system. Many fellow candidates reported similar ...

Speaker Abbas Acknowledges Economic Burden on Workers, Vows Legislative Support

Amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has acknowledged the harsh realities facing workers and praised their resilience in the face of rising living costs and economic strain. Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Labour and Employment, Adegboyega Adefarati, Speaker Abbas made the remarks during the 2025 May Day celebration in Abuja. He highlighted that while government reforms are beginning to yield positive results, the weight of the transition has placed a heavy burden on workers and their families. “The rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult to provide for our families,” the Speaker said. “Yet, despite these hardships, your spirit remains unbroken. You continue to show up every day with dedication and commitment—that’s the true spirit of labour.” Speaker Abbas offered heartfelt praise for Nigerian workers, describing them as the bedrock of national progress. He emphasised that behind ev...

Jarvis Accepts Pellers' Proposal in a Heartwarming Moment

In a touching moment that has captured hearts, Pellers and Jarvis took a major step in their journey together as Pellers proposed in a heartfelt gesture. The emotional proposal, which came after years of friendship and partnership, marked a new chapter for the duo. The proposal reportedly took place in an intimate setting, with Pellers expressing deep admiration and love for Jarvis. Witnesses describe the scene as emotional and memorable, with Jarvis visibly moved before saying an enthusiastic "yes." Close friends and family have shared their excitement for the couple, celebrating the engagement as a testament to their enduring connection. Social media is already buzzing with congratulatory messages and well-wishes for the pair. As Pellers and Jarvis look ahead to their future together, their story serves as a reminder of the power of love and commitment. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details, including wedding plans, as the couple begins this exciting new chapter. What vide...