The theme is “Humanity”.
Cross River State carnival has received reviews and ratings to be the biggest street carnival in Africa.
Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, said the theme of the carnival seeks to speak truth to power to the effect that all the artificial barriers created by colour, economic and geographical differences can be broken by the power of humanity.
Ayade said the theme of the carnival is aimed to reawaken the consciousness of humanity in man.
“The carnival is a platform to tell that story that will create the reawakening of the African conscience which has it nexus plexus to Africanism.”
“The carnival is not just about dance and procession, it is about telling a story using dance intended to educate and alter the social orientation of the people.”
The governor urged band leaders for the carnival to package the annual tourism fiesta to communicate the theme of the event through their band and music.
“As band leaders, tell the story with drums and gesticulations. The story must be stronger than the pulse of the carnival”, Ayade stressed.
The chairman of band leaders association and former first lady of Cross River, Mrs Onari Duke, lauded the governor for the theme of the carnival saying it was “thought provoking.”
Duke said Governor Ayade has raised the status of the carnival beyond the imagination of all, making the Cross River brand the most sought after.