Carnival Calabar 2025 Set To Dazzle With 71 Embassies Joining Africa’s Biggest Street Party.
Cross River State is gearing up for an unprecedented celebration as 71 embassies have confirmed their participation in the 2025 Carnival Calabar, a significant leap from the 12 embassies involved in last year’s event. Governor Bassey Otu announced the exciting news during the commissioning of the revamped four-star Channel View Hotel in Calabar, highlighting the carnival’s growing global appeal and its status as Africa’s largest street party.
Scheduled for Monday, 29 December 2025, the carnival has been rescheduled from its original date to respect Sunday as a day of worship in the state, a move that underscores the region’s cultural sensitivity. The month-long festival, running from 1 to 31 December, will feature a vibrant array of activities, including cultural parades, music, dance, and elaborate floats, showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage alongside international influences. The event is expected to draw millions of tourists, with Calabar’s hotels already reporting high bookings, signalling a surge in visitors eager to experience this iconic celebration.
Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, praised the private-sector-led renovation of Channel View Hotel as a vital boost to the state’s tourism infrastructure. He expressed confidence that the increased participation of embassies, including representatives from countries across Africa, Europe, and beyond, will elevate the carnival’s international profile. The event will feature performances by the five competing bands—Bayside, Seagull, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, and Freedom—alongside the Governor’s band, which includes celebrities and notable figures, promising a spectacular display of costumes and choreography.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, emphasised the cultural significance of the carnival, describing it as a “potpourri of cultures” that celebrates Nigerian heritage while fostering global connections. The participation of 15 Nigerian states and neighbouring Cameroon in last year’s cultural parade set a high standard, and this year’s expanded international presence is expected to make the 2025 edition the most memorable yet.
The carnival, launched in 2004 by former Governor Donald Duke, has grown from a local Christmas celebration into a global tourism phenomenon. With activities ranging from fashion shows and boat regattas to talent hunts and culinary festivals, it has become a cornerstone of Cross River’s economy, creating jobs and showcasing the state’s hospitality. The 2025 theme, yet to be announced, is anticipated to reflect contemporary issues, following previous themes like “Africanism” and “Climate Change” that highlighted cultural pride and global challenges.
As preparations intensify, the state government is ensuring robust security and logistical arrangements to accommodate the influx of visitors. The carnival’s 14-kilometre route through Calabar’s streets will come alive with colour, music, and performances, offering tourists a chance to immerse themselves in the warmth and vibrancy of Cross River. With 71 embassies on board, Carnival Calabar 2025 promises to be a landmark event, uniting nations in a joyous celebration of culture and creativity.