3rd Carnival Calabar dry run parade Sunday in Calabar

Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has assured potential tourists and investors that this year international festival has solid security architecture that is intact and the state is adequately prepared to host the world during the Carnival Calabar tagged “The largest street party in Africa”.

Otu, who gave the assurance during the 3rd and final dry-run at the Millennium Park in Calabar on Sunday December 10, 2023 said “We are going to host the best carnival that this country has ever seen this year”.

He emphasized that the 2023 Carnival Calabar will be better than any other in the history of Nigeria saying, “We are sending a message to our friends in America, London, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago that their security is safe in Cross River State.

Chairman of the State Carnival Commission Mr. Gabe Onah said that the cultural milieu which has turned Cross River around in the turn of the millennium, changing the landscape of Nigeria is back with city lights illuminating the metropolis and the streets and environs clean and green.

Special Adviser on Events Management, Effiong Ekpenyong, and the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Abubakar Ewa disclosed that the Calabar Carnival has also introduced raffle draw which will see the winner going home with a brand new car, amongst other consolation prizes at the Yule-tide event scheduled to span 32 days of non-stop fun.

Some of the dignitaries at the occasion include former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke who witnessed participating bands- Masta Blasta, Seagulls, Bay side, Calas Vegas, Passion 4 and Diamond walk through the 12-kilometers carnival routes. The walk hoisting flags of renewed hope add colour to the carnival parade along Marian Road route with stopover at Christmas Village to the excitement of fun seekers who lined-up both sides of the road.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)