The Calabar Carnival which was created as part of the vision of making Cross River State the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourist all over the world has today surpassed the expectations of most people.

It has grown from being primarily a Calabar event, to become an international event, the pride of Nigeria and of Africa.


The Carnival routes were flooded by millions of spectators – the figure of visitors is estimated to have reached two million this year.

Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabriel Onah, described this year’s edition as classic, adding that the carnival has gone full swing and now has a brand identity that everyone wants to be associated with. The presence of participants from over five countries and high ranking personalities from around the country and beyond, he said, is a testimony to the heights the 32-day Calabar Festival has attained.

Below are pictures of Akon, P-Square, J-Martins, Julius Agwu and others at the Carnival.