As excitement builds ahead of the 2025 Carnival Calabar, about 100 members of the Nigerian diaspora are expected to arrive in Calabar this weekend to participate in the first Carnival Dry Run scheduled for Sunday, October 19.
Their arrival marks the beginning of a festive season that promises to be both nostalgic and spectacular as the state celebrates the 20th anniversary of Africa’s biggest street party.
The diasporans, many of whom trace their roots to Cross River State, will be officially received at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar. They will also pay a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, as part of the homecoming activities.
The visit is part of a broader effort to deepen the connection between Nigerians in the diaspora and their cultural heritage. The returnees will be integrated into various aspects of the carnival — from the street parades and cultural displays to art exhibitions and music performances — showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Nigeria’s creative industry.
This year’s edition of the Carnival Calabar, themed “Traces of Time,” will run throughout the month of December, from the 1st to the 31st, featuring a lineup of events that celebrate history, resilience, and the evolution of the African identity. The theme, according to the organizers, is designed to reflect the journey of the carnival over two decades, as well as the story of Nigeria’s growth and cultural preservation.
The first Dry Run will serve as a preview of the grandeur expected in December, as bands and performers take to the streets in a test parade that will fine-tune logistics and showcase costume concepts inspired by this year’s theme.
Governor Bassey Otu is expected to welcome the diasporan guests personally, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to positioning Cross River State as Nigeria’s cultural and tourism hub. The governor has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the carnival in boosting the local economy, creating jobs, and promoting positive global visibility for the state.
Tourism stakeholders are optimistic that this year’s edition will attract record participation, with thousands of local and international tourists expected to throng Calabar for the month-long celebration.
For many in the diaspora delegation, the homecoming will be more than just a festive reunion — it will be an emotional return to their roots and a reconnection with the rhythms, colors, and traditions that define Nigerian culture.
As the city of Calabar gears up for Sunday’s Dry Run, the streets are being adorned with lights, banners, and decorations, signaling the start of a season that once again promises to make the “Canaan City” the heartbeat of African tourism and culture.
