“Cross River Lights Up 20th Carnival Calabar As Governor Otu Flags Off Historic Anniversary Edition”

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State on Sunday, November 30, 2025, officially launched activities for this year’s Carnival Calabar and Festival by lighting the symbolic Christmas tree at Millennium Park, marking the start of the event’s 20th anniversary celebration.

The carnival—one of Africa’s most iconic cultural festivals—draws thousands of tourists, investors, and entertainment enthusiasts to Calabar each year. Speaking at the ceremony, which was attended by four former governors of the state—Clement Ebiri, Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, and Ben Ayade—Governor Otu assured local and global visitors of an exceptional experience.

“My team and I will continue to grow Cross River through human capital development, industrialisation, rural transformation, and tourism,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to enhancing the state’s tourism and entertainment sectors.

Joseph Nneji, a culture and tourism expert, revealed that preparations had been meticulously made to ensure this year’s edition is “historic and remarkable.”

“Twenty years of Carnival Calabar and Festival is not just a celebration for Cross River State, but for Africa and the world. We invite governments, tourists, creatives, brands, and cultural institutions to join us in commemorating two decades of excellence,” he added.

A Legacy of Colour, Culture, and Community

Widely regarded as Africa’s biggest street party, the Carnival Calabar and Festival has evolved over two decades into a global cultural phenomenon. What began as a strategy to boost tourism and position Calabar as a cultural hub has grown into a month-long spectacle attracting millions in-person and online.

From Brazil to Colombia, France to Germany, South Africa to Ghana, the carnival has built a loyal international following. Its programming has expanded beyond traditional masquerades and community dance troupes to include global music concerts, elaborate street parades by renowned bands such as Seagull, Passion 4, Bayside and Freedom, as well as bikers’ shows, beauty pageants, and cultural exhibitions.

The festival continues to spotlight Nigerian fashion designers, musicians, dancers, and film creatives—cementing Calabar as a must-visit global destination every December.

A Milestone Edition

This year’s 20th anniversary edition is expected to feature international performance groups from at least 10 countries, specialized heritage showcases, and appearances from top influencers, filmmakers, and tourism ambassadors. The state government also plans to reaffirm Calabar’s position as West Africa’s tourism capital through an investment summit aimed at boosting Nigeria’s creative and hospitality sectors.

A Legacy That Endures

Over the past two decades, Carnival Calabar has delivered millions of visits, created thousands of jobs, and launched the careers of countless creatives. As Cross River gears up to host the world once again, the 2025 edition aims not only to honour its rich heritage but also to forge a bold vision for the next 20 years—anchored on making Calabar the undisputed cultural capital of Africa.