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.
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