The Carnival Calabar has become part of Cross River’s cultural identity and will endure for generations to come, Gov. Bassey Otu has said.
Governor Otu, represented by the Deputy governor, Dr Peter Odey, made this known on Sunday while unveiling the 2025 Carnival Calabar Mascot and the newly created Diaspora Band at the Second Dry Run in Calabar.
Otu said the new mascot reflected the beauty, growth and resilience of Carnival Calabar, celebrating its 20-year evolution into a major African cultural showcase.
He also noted that he approved the creation of a mascot capturing the carnival’s identity, heritage and resilient spirit over two decades.
He further declared the unveiling a landmark moment, adding that Carnival Calabar has become part of the state’s cultural identity and will endure for generations.
According to him, “In the same vein, I unveil the new Diaspora Band, created to reconnect Africans abroad with their roots through culture and artistic expression.
“My administration is strengthening ties with the diaspora community through the state Diaspora Commission, which has recorded notable progress,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Gabe Unah, Chairman of the Cross River Carnival Commission described the unveiling as a tribute to the state’s enduring cultural heritage.
Mr. Onah also recalled the October homecoming of 92 African diasporans, an event that inspired the formation of the Diaspora Band.
Onah furthrr said Governor Otu approved the band to give Africans in the diaspora a platform to express shared history, memory and cultural reconnection.
“With the 2025 theme ‘Traces of Time,’ the Diaspora Band will join the carnival procession with a sub-theme highlighting heritage and reconciliation,” he said.
He called on Africans in the diaspora to join the band and help lead Carnival Calabar into its next cultural phase.
The Calabar Carnival is an annual carnival held Cross River.
Also known as Africa’s Biggest Street Party, the carnival holds every December and was declared by the then governor of Cross River, Mr Donald Duke an activity to mark Cristmas celebration yearly.
Duke said his vision for creating the festival was to make Cross-River a home of tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa.
The festival has grown over the years making it Nigeria’s biggest carnival and an internationally recognised festival.
It used to be a month-long event that began on Dec. 1, until the former governor of the state, Benedic Ayade reduced it to two weeks after he was elected.
Countries that have participated in the Calabar Carnival include Brazil, Turkey, South Africa and Egypt, amon others.
The carnival is also a popular event within Nigeria, with many states sending delegations.
