Ahead of the 2025 edition of Carnival Calabar, the governor of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, Senator Bassey Otu, has flagged off the first dry run.
Since the formal introduction of Carnival Calabar as one of Nigeria’s flagship tourism events in 2024 by the former governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke, it has become customary to hold rehearsals for band revellers along the 12 kilometres route.
For the 2025 carnival, the first dry run served as a litmus test and a peek into the celebration of culture, unity and creativity as the seven competing brands strive to clinch the title of “best overall”.
Before cutting the ribbon at the Millennium Park in Calabar to kick off the road show, Governor Otu expressed optimism that the 2025 edition would be more exciting than previous ones.
Otu described the dry run as a spectacular coincidence, a historic convergence of reconciliation, cultural revival and global attraction for Africa’s biggest street party, Carnival Calabar.
He said, “I feel very excited and so glad that this coincidence has happened. Like the Bible says, all things work together for good for those who trust in the Lord.
“God knew why He made it so, that today we are not only celebrating reconciliation and unity, but also marking the 20th anniversary of the Calabar Carnival,” the governor said.
“Traces of Time”
The governor, who unveiled the theme of this year’s carnival, ‘Traces of Time’, extended an invitation to guests, tourists and Nigerians all over the world to take part in the 2025 Carnival Calabar Festival, promising more vibrancy, more fun-filled and colourful celebration.
He further said, “I am welcoming the whole world to Calabar: come and enjoy this great party, Africa’s biggest street party, with us. If you do not come, you are going to miss too much.
“The theme this year, ‘Traces of Time’, captures our journey through culture, creativity and transformation. You will see your heritage beautifully displayed right here in Calabar, the home of culture and heritage,” Governor Otu explained.
Speaking further, Governor Otu commended the organisers of the event, the seven band leaders and other stakeholders in the Cross River State’s creative industry for their perseverance and commitment to sustaining the Carnival Calabar brand for the past two decades.
He urged the stakeholders, “We have the biggest street party right here in Calabar. Let the world know that the ‘Season of Sweetness’ is not just about governance; it is also about joy, culture and unity. Everyone must come and participate.”
The first carnival rehearsal was attended by members of the National Assembly, representatives of other state governments, traditional rulers, captains of industry and members of the diaspora community, who turned out in colourful attire to lend their support to the cultural spectacle.
The 2025 Carnival Calabar Festival, theme, ‘Traces of Time’, would be interpreted by the seven competing brands through some of these known criteria: “best dressed king and queen, best carnival spirit, best band on the move and best overall band.”
The seven competing carnival bands, which have distinct colour identification, include the all blue Bayside, Freedom in yellow, Passion 4 using green and the orange Masta Blasta.
Others are Seagull, identified by red, Diamond in purple and Class Vegas and adorned in gold.