Carnival In Calabar Kick-Starts With Cultural Parade

There was a boisterous start of the much- anticipated Calabar Festival yesterday , as over 40 troupes ; consisting 22 states, 18 local government areas of the state and more than eight cultural groups stormed the streets of Calacar for a preliminary parade .

The four kilometre parade which took off at the Millennium Park , through Mary Slessor Avenue , Marian and IBB road terminated at the U . J. Esuene Stadium , featuring an array of cultures, expressed in costumes , dances, traditional instruments and kaleidoscope of colours that depicting the Nigerian heritage .

The parade was part of the 32 - day annual revelry that has branded Calabar as a revered tourism destination in the country . During the festival , which usually ends few days to
the New Year , several free shows and entertainment activities are held every evening and late into the nights at a number of venues – the Millennium Park, The U J Esuene
Stadium , the Cultural Centre Complex, Marina Beach and Resort , Tinapa and the Botanical Garden .

Speaking during the flag - off ceremony, Cross River State Governor , Senator Liyel Imoke who was accompanied by top government officials and representatives of the various
participating groups , raised the hope that the festival which is growing in lips and bounds will always introduce innovations that will make it more attractive to tourists each
year .

According to him, “ This cultural parade has come to stay and it is very important as we grow the festival year after year . For us , it is an opportunity to celebrate our culture, our
heritage and our wealth as a people and it is critical for us as we celebrate our nationhood. ”

Assuring all of an exciting time during the festiva , Imoke said , “ It ’ s exciting , it’ s brilliant , it ’ s colourful and it has a lot of talents on display as people who have tremendous cultural resources are all being displayed here in Calabar as we celebrate . ”
He added: “ It ’ s always exciting to see everyone come from every part of the country to celebrate with us. We have the entire Nigerian nation represented here today. This speaks
volumes about our love, our unity , our strength and our future which remains united as one people celebrating one another, appreciate one another and acknowledging the fact
that every one of us has something to offer this great nation . ”

Chairman, Carnival Calabar Commission , Mr. Gabe Onah , said over 25 states indicated interest to participate in the parade while foreign troupes were unable to meet up traveling modalities this year . ”