The spectacular Calabar Carnival 2024 concluded on December 28, 2024, with Akwa Ibom State crowned the overall winner. This vibrant event capped a month-long celebration of music, dance, and cultural diversity, showcasing Africa’s rich heritage to a global audience.
Renowned as Africa’s biggest street party, Calabar Carnival 2024 attracted thousands of tourists and culture enthusiasts from around the world. Beginning in early December, the festival featured electrifying parades, captivating cultural performances, and thrilling competitions among participating groups.
The grand finale, hosted at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, dazzled attendees with colourful costumes, energetic dances, and live music. Thousands packed the stadium to witness jaw-dropping performances and the announcement of the highly anticipated winners.
Calabar Carnival 2024 Highlights
The announcement of winners in various categories was a major highlight of the even. Key categories included:
- Cultural Carnival: Akwa Ibom clinched first place, followed by Osun and Delta States in second and third, respectively.
- Local Government: Yakurr Local Government took the lead, while Calabar South and Odukpani placed second and third.
- Junior Carnival: The vibrant Calas Vegas group won, with Seagull and Bayside earning second and third spots.
- Band of the Year: Calas Vegas emerged victorious, with Seagull and Freedom Bands following closely.
- A Cultural Extravaganza and Global Attraction
- Calabar Carnival 2024 seamlessly blended tradition and modernity, drawing praise for its execution and cultural significance. Elaborate costumes, artistic floats, and pulsating African rhythms highlighted the continent’s creativity and unity.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State expressed pride in the event’s success, commending participants, organizers, and sponsors for their efforts. “This carnival celebrates our culture, creativity, and unity, telling Africa’s story to the world,” he remarked.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 edition concluded, Governor Otu revealed plans to elevate Calabar Carnival in 2025 to global recognition. His vision includes positioning it as a premier cultural event and a key driver of tourism and economic growth for Nigeria.
With this year’s success, Calabar Carnival 2024 reaffirmed its place as Africa’s leading cultural festival and a beacon of unity and creativity. Excitement is already building for next year’s edition, promising even greater vibrancy and global appeal.
