Cross River State Government has unveiled the full schedule for the 2025 Calabar Carnival, themed “Traces of Time.” The festival runs from November 30, 2025, to January 1, 2026, featuring over 60 major events across Calabar and other cities.
The programme positions the carnival as Africa’s premier street festival and Nigeria’s longest yuletide celebration. To kick off the festivities, a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at Millennium Park on Sunday, November 30, illuminating Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja.
Key Events and Cultural Highlights
On Monday, December 1, the carnival kicks off with a City Walk Against AIDS led by First Lady Obongwan Bassey Otu at 7 a.m. Following that, the Calabar Festival Village opens at 9 a.m., while the Arts Exhibition at the National Museum begins at 4 p.m. Governor Bassey Otu will also inaugurate the Local Government Village, showcasing cultural identities from all 18 LGAs.
Meanwhile, the festival will feature music, sports, and cultural activities throughout December. Notably, highlights include:
- December 14–15: Voices of Paradise 2.0 and the Female Super Cup football fixture.
- December 16: Mmadiaha Children’s Christmas Care Camp, Southern Senatorial Exhibition, and Cross River Movie & Music Awards.
- December 17–19: Mary Slessor Golf Tournament, Night of Legend, Fun Fest, Nigeria Strongest Man and Woman Competition, Boat Regatta, and Naija Most Wanted.
- December 20–21: Calabar Food Festival, Utomo Obong tribute, Tripartite Heritage Walkway, and Voices of Paradise 3.0 finale.
- December 22–23: Calabar Royal theatre performance, Festival of Grills, Charity Tour, Mbono Ndito Ishie, and African Fashion Fiesta.
- December 24–25: Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, Calabar Kiddies Hero Xmas Party, and Calabar Festival Christmas Concert.
Carnival Boosts Tourism and Community
The 2025 programme reflects Governor Otu’s focus on revitalising tourism, promoting local culture, and creating economic opportunities. In addition, the festival blends music, sports, heritage, food, fashion, and charity initiatives to attract visitors from Nigeria and abroad.
As a result, Cross River State reinforces its reputation as the home of hospitality, culture, and Africa’s largest street party.
For full event details and ticketing, visit the official tourism portal: https://www.visitsouthernnigeria.com/cross-river
Read also: Governor Otu Lights Cross River Christmas Tree, Honours Leaders
