Experience Calabar Carnival In Style

By Justin Irabor

02 October 2015

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If there is one carnival you would love to attend when you are in Nigeria, it is the Calabar Carnival that is extravagant, rich, exciting and mesmerizing. The festival has become a yearly carnival graced by some of the influential men and women of the world. The carnival is inspired by the famous Brazil Carnival that is the best in the world. Coming to Calabar on a normal day is amazing, but coming here during the festive period is something extraordinary.

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The Uniqueness

Calabar Carnival has this uniqueness that displays African heritage and the different cultural and art creativity of the people. People from different parts of the country come here during this festival to display their culture. There is hardly a type of dance or music you won’t find here.

The Highlights

The peak of the carnival is from the 26th - 27th of December which wraps up the 32-day Calabar Festival. The carnival begins from November 30th up until January 1st the next year. There is no country in Africa that has been able to pull off this type of cultural exhibition. There are over 50,000 costumed revelers that would thrill your heart to merriment. You would be stunned to see the crowd of people who come here for this carnival. Over three million people tune in to watch the carnival on television. Being there in person is definitely more exciting.

The Bands

There are five bands that compete during this carnival, and then 10 non-competing bands that make the carnival cool. You would see five band kings and queens in some jaw-dropping costumes. At the end of day, there is only one king and queen for each year.

The Craziness

The fun is infectious and the thrill is unforgettable. You would surely love this carnival that would get you dancing. There is so much to see, do and take pictures of. Calabar Carnival is a must experience carnival that would give you memories you won’t forget.

The Vacation

It is a festive moment to remember. This is what the carnival is all about – celebration, and there’s a lot to celebrate. You would have one of the most exciting holidays during this festival. Aside from the vacation, you can set out some quality time to see some of the beautiful places in Calabar.

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