By 2025 Calabar Carnival
71 embassies to join as global interest surges
Summary
- Calabar Carnival marks 20th anniversary with record participation from 71 embassies
- Themed “Traces of Time”, this year’s edition set to highlight Cross River’s cultural heritage and international unity
- Governor Bassey Otu links carnival growth to tourism-focused infrastructure like the revamped Channel View Hotel
- Expanded activities include street parades, beauty pageants, regattas, and global cultural showcases
Calabar, Nigeria — The 2025 Calabar Carnival, dubbed “Africa’s Biggest Street Party,” is set for a spectacular edition as 71 embassies have confirmed participation, an unprecedented increase from the 12 that took part in 2024.
This year’s event, themed “Traces of Time”, celebrates the carnival’s 20th anniversary and underscores its growing global recognition as a hub for cultural exchange, entertainment, and tourism.
Governor Bassey Otu announced the diplomatic interest while commissioning the renovated 4-star Channel View Hotel in Calabar, a move he said aligns with Cross River State’s strategy to revitalise its tourism infrastructure and attract international visitors. He described the upcoming carnival as a reflection of Cross River’s rich cultural legacy and its expanding role on the world stage.
Since its inception in 2004 by former Governor Donald Duke, the Calabar Carnival has drawn millions of attendees annually with its vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, thematic floats, and street competitions involving major carnival bands such as Seagull, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Bayside, Freedom, Calas Vegas, and Diamond.
The 2025 edition promises an even more expansive programme of events, including the Miss Africa beauty pageant, cultural showcases and traditional dances, boat regattas and fashion shows, essay competitions and marathons, live music performances by Nigerian and international artists, and the annual Ekpe Festival celebrating Efik heritage.
In line with past editions that have used creative themes to address social issues, like “Climate Change” and “Humanity”, this year’s “Traces of Time” is expected to inspire artistic and reflective interpretations across the carnival’s presentations.
The participation of 71 embassies signals an impressive diplomatic and cultural turnout, likely to feature international performances, floats, and exhibitions from countries across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas. Previous editions have welcomed contingents from Brazil, South Africa, Hungary, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Organisers anticipate a significant boost to the local economy, with increased demand for hospitality services, transportation, catering, and retail. Tourists are encouraged to make early bookings at hotels like Tinapa Lakeside Hotel and The Mirage due to high seasonal occupancy.
The festival also provides an opportunity to explore other attractions in Cross River State, such as Obudu Mountain Resort, Agbokim and Kwa Waterfalls, and the Cross River National Park.
With its blend of culture, commerce, and community, the Calabar Carnival continues to evolve as a platform for global cultural diplomacy and national pride, offering something for both first-time visitors and returning revellers.
