PHOTOS: Cultural Display, Excitement, Beauty at 2022 Calabar Festival
By Boniface Ihiasota, USA
Not less than 14 of the federation’s states have already confirmed their participation in this year’s Calabar carnival, which is known for its magnificent cultural exhibits.
Cultural groups from the north and south participated in the opening cultural march intended to highlight the nation’s diverse cultures.
Several states, including Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Kogi, Oyo, and the host Cross River, were present to participate in the cultural march.
Excel Magazine International gathered that six more states were still journeying to Paradise City.
Gov. Ben Ayade, the event’s host, opened the event by announcing that the Calabar carnival had grown to be a renowned event that other states eagerly anticipated.
Ayade, represented by Deputy Gov. Ivara Esu, said the parade would showcase the cultures of different states and 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
He said that the event would help to reveal “the multifarious nature of Nigeria’s cultural heritage”.
He said: “No matter where you come from, you are likely to identify with one form of the culture or the other on display today, this is important.
“We are exiting as a government but the Calabar Carnival and the Cultural Parade will remain, this is because Calabar has become a brand.”
Also, the Executive Secretary of the Carnival Commission, Mr Austin Cobhams, said the parade was a fusion of cultures in Nigeria.
Cobhams said that apart from showing the world what the state could offer, they were using the festival to see how Nigeria could speak about unity with one voice through culture and tourism.
The Chairman, Calabar Festival Committee, Mr Ken Akla, said the parade was a mixture of the country’s cultures intended to showcase the country’s heritage.
According to Akla, the state is also using the event to present to the world, Cross River’s biggest export, which is its culture, tradition and people.
Bikers’ Parade and Miss Africa Beauty Pageant are slated to hold today, Dec. 27.
