The Cross River State Government has described the 20th edition of Carnival Calabar as a defining moment in the history of Nigeria’s biggest street festival, citing improved planning, expanded programming and record participation as key indicators of its success.
Speaking in an interview after the conclusion of the festivities, Effiong Ekpenyong MNIPR, FCAI, Special Adviser on Events Management and Chairman of the Carnival Calabar and Festival Committee, said the milestone edition was not just a celebration but a statement of resilience, growth and cultural continuity for the state.
According to Ekpenyong, the edition reaffirmed Carnival Calabar’s status as a major cultural and tourism platform, with massive turnout from residents and visitors alike.
He said the energy on the streets, the quality of performances by the bands and the seamless blend of culture, entertainment and unity underscored how far the festival has come in 20 years.
He attributed the success of the festival to early planning, strong political backing and a sense of collective ownership among stakeholders.
Ekpenyong noted that the full support of Governor Bassey Otu and First Lady, Bishop Mrs Eyoawan Otu, provided the political will needed to deliver a festival of that scale, while collaboration with security agencies, band leaders, performers, volunteers, sponsors and the media ensured smooth execution.
Highlighting what was done differently this year, the Carnival chairman said the planning team placed greater emphasis on structure, coordination and audience experience. He explained that preparations began earlier than in previous years, with improved inter-departmental collaboration, enhanced safety and crowd control measures, better time management and higher content quality.
Ekpenyong also said the festival programme was broadened to appeal to a wider demographic. Beyond the iconic street parade, activities such as gospel nights, cultural exhibitions, youth-focused concerts and family-friendly events were introduced or expanded, helping to deepen engagement across different age groups and interests.
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Describing the high point of the Christmas festival, he said the Carnival parade remained the soul of the celebration, capturing Cross River State’s cultural diversity, creativity and communal spirit. He added that the atmosphere of unity across the state throughout the festive season reinforced Calabar’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading Christmas destination.
On challenges, Ekpenyong said managing the sheer scale of attendance proved demanding, as interest exceeded initial projections.
He identified logistics, traffic management, crowd control and accommodation pressure as key issues, alongside funding constraints and heightened public expectations. However, he said adaptive planning, strong security collaboration and an experienced workforce helped the organisers manage the challenges without compromising safety or quality.
While final attendance figures are still being collated, Ekpenyong disclosed that preliminary data indicate a significant increase in participation compared to previous editions. He said hundreds of thousands of people attended the Carnival parade and associated events, with notable growth in participation by bands, local creatives, vendors and hospitality operators.
He added that audited figures would be officially released in due course, stressing that all indicators point to the 20th edition setting new benchmarks for engagement and impact.
Carnival Calabar, often described as Africa’s biggest street party, is a central feature of Cross River State’s Christmas festival calendar and a major driver of tourism and economic activity in the state.
