By Janefrances Chibuzor
The Cross River State Carnival Commission has expressed profound gratitude to stakeholders, participants and residents for the successful staging of the 20th edition of Carnival Calabar, describing the milestone celebration as a shared triumph that reflects the collective spirit, creativity and hospitality of the people of the state.
In a statement marking the close of the anniversary festival, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, commended the wide range of individuals, groups and institutions whose dedication ensured a seamless and memorable outing.
He said the success of the 20th edition, themed “Traces of Time,” underscored what can be achieved through collaboration, planning and a deep commitment to cultural excellence.
Onah praised the contributions of carnival bands, artistic creatives, security and protocol personnel, sponsors, volunteers, ad hoc staff, environmental groups, safety and emergency responders, marketing teams and state institutions, noting that their combined efforts gave life to a celebration befitting two decades of Africa’s biggest street party.
According to him, each role, whether visible or behind the scenes, played a critical part in delivering a festival that met international standards and reinforced Cross River State’s reputation as Nigeria’s foremost cultural tourism destination.
He also extended appreciation to residents and visitors who participated in the festivities, saying their enthusiasm and orderly conduct enriched the carnival experience and strengthened the sense of unity that has come to define Carnival Calabar over the years.
Onah described the 20th anniversary edition as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between culture and community, adding that the warmth shown to guests reflected the famed Calabar hospitality and Africa’s warmest welcome.
Congratulating the winners of the various competitive categories, the Carnival Commission chairman singled out Calas Vegas for emerging champions of the Main Carnival for the third consecutive year, describing the victory as well-earned in a keenly contested event. He also acknowledged the efforts of other standout performers, including Rivers State, Calabar South Local Government Area and Freedom Band, whose displays added depth and colour to the anniversary parade.
Special recognition was given to children who took part in the carnival and to their parents and guardians for supporting their participation. Onah said the strong showing of young performers demonstrated a conscious effort to preserve the future of the carnival by grooming a new generation to carry forward its legacy.
He noted that beyond trophies and rankings, the true winners of the festival were the host communities whose openness and hospitality ensured a pleasant stay for all visitors.
The Carnival Commission chairman further expressed gratitude to the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Bassey Otu, for providing what he described as “all the needed ingredients” for a successful 20th edition.
He said the governor’s support and belief in the carnival as a driver of culture, tourism and economic activity were evident in the quality of organisation and the scale of participation witnessed throughout the celebrations.
Onah also lauded the media for its consistent support and coverage, noting that accurate and vibrant reporting helped project the carnival to national and international audiences.
As the state awaits detailed figures and reports on the economic and social impact of the 2025 carnival, Onah urged all stakeholders to remain committed to continuous improvement.
He expressed optimism that lessons learned from the anniversary edition would further strengthen future carnivals, while wishing participants and visitors safe journeys back to their destinations and a prosperous New Year.
The celebratory mood was heightened by the announcement of winners across key categories at the grand carnival parade, which brought the 20th edition to a colourful close.
In the Cultural Carnival State category, Rivers State emerged winner after impressing judges and spectators with a rich display of cultural heritage, elaborate costumes and disciplined choreography that captured the essence of its traditions.
At the local government level, Calabar South claimed top honours in the Cultural Carnival LGA category, earning praise for its creativity and strong representation of local identity. The performance was widely applauded for its storytelling, visual appeal and coordination, reflecting a deep understanding of the carnival’s cultural objectives.
The Children Carnival segment, a growing pillar of the festival, saw Freedom Band emerge victorious with a vibrant and engaging performance that showcased youthful energy, colourful themes and artistic promise.
Observers noted that the segment not only entertained but also highlighted the increasing role of children in sustaining the carnival’s future and embedding cultural pride from an early age.
The highlight of the parade was the Main Carnival competition, where Calas Vegas once again proved its dominance by clinching the championship for the third year in a row.
The band’s performance, which blended spectacle, music, dance and storytelling, drew thunderous applause from spectators along the parade route. Judges cited creativity, execution and thematic interpretation as key factors that set Calas Vegas apart in a field marked by high-quality performances.
Organisers described the outcomes as a fitting climax to the 20th anniversary celebrations, noting that the competitive spirit and artistic excellence on display reflected two decades of growth and innovation. They said the anniversary edition reaffirmed Carnival Calabar’s status as a platform for cultural expression, unity and creative enterprise, while also serving as a major boost to tourism and local commerce.
As the curtains fell on the landmark edition, many stakeholders agreed that Carnival Calabar at 20 was not only a celebration of the past but also a statement of intent for the future.
With renewed commitment from government, communities and creative talents, the festival is poised to continue evolving, preserving its heritage while embracing new ideas that will keep Africa’s biggest street party vibrant for years to come.
