From Calabar to the World: The Magic of Carnival Calabar
From Calabar to the World: The Magic of Carnival Calabar By Queen Harriet Every December, the city of Calabar transforms into a living canvas of colour, rhythm, and history. Streets that usually host the calm hum of daily life burst into life with the pounding of drums, swirls of costumes, and the electric energy of anticipation. Known as Africa’s Biggest Street Party, the Calabar Carnival has grown from a tourism initiative in 2004 into one of the continent’s most celebrated cultural showcases. As the 20th anniversary approaches in 2025, the excitement builds earlier than ever and with good reason. This year’s calendar is packed with events that stretch from mid-December all the way to the grand finale at the end of the month. On 15th December, the city kicks off with the Junior Dry Run, followed on the 22nd of December by the adrenaline-filled Bikers Dry Run, where riders test the streets ahead of the main parade. These preparatory events are not just rehearsals; th...