Carnival Calabar known as AFRICA'S BIGGEST STREET PARTY, started in 2000 as Street Parade as one of the Cross River State Annual Christmas Festival. The first Parade showcased 'major Landmarks of the State such as the famous export Commodity - Cocoa Pod, the low land Gorilla of the last rain forest in West Africa, the Leopard of the Ekpe Cultural group, the old Residency building which once served as the seat of Government of the entire Colonial Nigeria, the Mary Slessor Caravan, Monoliths and more. In 2004, costumes were introduced to elaborate the Street Parade, and the five official Carnival Bands were created namely: Bayside, Freedom, Master Blaster, Passion Four and Seagull Band.

[color=orange]His Excellency Governor Liyel Imoke introduced the Cultural Parade and Children's Carnival in 2007, thus making the Carnival Calabar a two day event. The Carnival Calabar is fashioned out of the oldest Caribbean Carnival the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival but with an African flavor. The beauty of the Carnival Calabar is its acceptance by all strata of the Society; it also has revelers from all age groups.

The Street Party has also become for the State and its people an ideal tool for tourism and ultimately Socio-economic development. The Carnival will ultimately become one of the major drivers of Economic activity in Cross River State. The Carnival Route which is 12km stretch offers huge vendoring and branding opportunities During the Run-up to the Carnival, there are benefits for a wide section of the business, especially the textile, haberdashery and tailoring sector. Although some of the Carnival Bands are bringing pre-fabricated costumes and importing trimming such as feathers and beads, local stores generate increased from purchases associated with costume making. The hospitality has grown tremendously in the Capital city as the Carnival has become more popular. Hotels and Guest houses have become their highest occupancies level during the two day Carnival event.

[color=orange]By the year 2012, the Cross River State Carnival Calabar will be the choice Carnival in Nigeria and the biggest self sustaining socio-cultural event in Africa. To fully develop Carnival Calabar by the Sustainable development and aggressive promotion of an Innovative, differentiated, high value, internationally competitive Visitor Experience supported by strong Brand Recognition, Public and Private sector Partnership and a positive Cultural Transformation. Be a part of this great venture

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