By Eme Offiong, Calabar
The ancient city of Calabar, the capital of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, came alive with colour and excitement as the second 2025 Carnival Calabar dry run kicked off.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey, flagged off the dry run in the company of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, the Managing Director of the Cross River Tourism Bureau, Ojoi Ekenyong, and other stakeholders in the sector.
The dry run, which drew thousands of spectators along the 12-kilometre parade route, was described by some fun seekers as “one of the most emotional and symbolic dry runs in recent years” due to the commitment of the revelers to perform despite a downpour.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the 20th anniversary carnival mascot — a majestic peacock adorned in the seven colours representing all competing bands: blue, red, orange, green, yellow, purple, and gold.
The unveiling drew loud cheers from the crowd, many of whom said the mascot captured the spirit, diversity, and competitive energy that have defined Carnival Calabar over two decades.
Another major moment was the formal unveiling of a new Diaspora Band, which has the theme “The Epic Journey.”
According to Odey, the band has been designed to honour the history of Africans taken across the world and to promote healing, remembrance, and reconnection.
Dr. Odey, in his remarks, said the introduction of the Diaspora Band and the colourful mascot marked a new chapter for the carnival.
“Our 20th anniversary celebration will be bigger, better, and more meaningful. We are celebrating who we are, where we have come from, and the future we are building,” Odey noted.
Pathway For Reconnection
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, described the unveilings as landmark achievements and credited Governor Bassey Otu for the vision behind them.
Onah said, “This is a powerful statement. The governor has created another pathway for our Diaspora brothers and sisters to reconnect with their homeland, while elevating Carnival Calabar to the next level.”
The dry run also served as a preview of what spectators should expect on December 28, when all seven bands — Bayside, Freedom, Passion 4, Seagull, Masta Blasta, Diamond, and Calas Vegas — will compete for the carnival’s prestigious cash prizes.
The Revelers thrilled onlookers with high-energy performances, flamboyant costumes, and early interpretations of their themes, giving residents and visitors a taste of the spectacle to come.
From families cheering by the roadside to tourists capturing the moment on their phones, the city’s atmosphere was charged with anticipation — a sign that after 20 years, Africa’s biggest street party has continued to stir emotions and connect people.
Oyenike Oyeniyi