Why Calabar Carnival ranked fourth globally, first in W/Africa

Calabar Carnival festival in Nigeria, also tagged “Africa’s Biggest Street Party’’, has been ranked as the fourth in the world and the first in West Africa.

“The carnival is rated 4th globally due to its immense growth over the years,’’ confirmed the Chairman, Carnival Calabar Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, at the closing ceremony of the 2019 edition.

The carnival, began in 2004 by a former Cross River governor, Donald Duke.

The Carnival presents a perfect platform from brand visibility for consumer and market awareness.

In the last 15 years, Calabar carnival has featured distinct themes and remains one of the best platforms for acquiring education and dissecting cultures across Nigeria and the world.

Each of these themes has enlightened a good number of revellers across the globe as the 2019 edition of the carnival, themed “Humanity’’, displayed cultures from 30 countries and 22 states.

Each of the visiting countries exhibited some aspects of their culture, the displays left revellers with a feeling of awe of God who made each humanity unique in variety of ways.

Some of the international delegates recounted their experiences. Rohey Touray, a Gambian, said the carnival has exposed him to some aspects of Nigerian culture.

“Nigerians are highly creative, the carnival is interesting and we look forward to gracing the 2020 edition,” she said.

An Egyptian, Mr Osama Emam, said he has been able to familiarise himself with Nigerian cuisines and culture. “The carnival’s content is rich and interesting, we will make it here again next year because we are falling in love with Nigerian cuisines.’’

Highlight of the carnival includes performances by five bands as they engaged the elements of theatre in their performances.

Winners emerged in the various categories competed for with Calabar Municipality emerging first position in the Local Government Areas category, Odukpani came second, while Akpabuyo was third.

Also for the state category, Anambra State took first position; Lagos State came second, while Enugu State came third. [NAN]