### Summary: Nigeria’s southern city of Calabar has transformed into a vivid display of cultural celebration with its renowned carnival, drawing up to two million attendees. The event features performances, elaborate floats, and historic costume references, marking its 20th anniversary this year.
### Title: Calabar Carnival: Nigeria's Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Community
### Title: Calabar Carnival: Nigeria's Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Community
### Description: Thousands gather for the annual Calabar Carnival, showcasing Nigeria’s rich diversity and heritage through music, dance, and vibrant costumes.
The southern port city of Calabar in Nigeria has come alive this weekend as thousands gathered for the annual Calabar Carnival, recognized as "Africa's biggest street party." The event, which attracts numerous attendees, is a vibrant celebration featuring floats and dancers representing various ethnic groups across Nigeria.
This month-long celebration, taking place in December, is particularly significant to Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, which is home to a large Christian population. Reports suggest that the carnival attracts as many as two million participants who come to enjoy the festivities, which include dazzling performances and competitions from at least 14 participating bands this year.
The air was filled with the pulsating rhythm of Afrobeats emanating from enormous speakers, captivating carnival-goers who danced joyously to the music. Celebrating two decades of its inception, attendees like Grace Job highlighted the diversity of costumes and the infectious energy throughout the event.
Among the participants were floats representing the University of Calabar, showcasing costumes emblazoned with the institution’s logo. Some costumes also paid homage to historical ties to the Atlantic slave trade, such as outfits symbolizing manillas—brass bracelets used as currency from the 16th to 19th centuries, while others recalled colonial times, including attire resembling British West Africa pennies.
Josh Elemi, a 25-year-old dancer and civil engineering student, emphasized the importance of showcasing cultural traditions through dance and costume. The carnival's entertainment also featured popular Nigerian music artists Runtown and Iyanya, who performed at a concert held at a local stadium. The band "Calas Vegas" won the highly coveted title of Best Carnival Band for the second consecutive year.
The Calabar Carnival is not only a celebration of local culture but also a strategy by Cross River State to attract visitors from other parts of Nigeria and beyond, including the diaspora, further cementing its status as Nigeria's premier carnival.
