The Cross River State Government has unveiled the official calendar of activities for the 2026 edition of Carnival Calabar, announcing a series of cultural, entertainment, and community events expected to lead up to the grand carnival celebration.
The programme, themed “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny,” features months of activities designed to promote culture, tourism, creativity, and public participation across the state.
The 2026 carnival calendar begins on May 31, 2026, with the official unveiling of the carnival theme, followed by a series of preparatory activities including Carnival Fitness Jams, stakeholder engagements, competitions, and cultural showcases.
According to the schedule released by organisers, major activities include the Stakeholders Conference on E-Voting, essay competitions, carnival fitness events, dry runs, and community-based celebrations aimed at creating wider involvement among residents and visitors.
Other key events listed on the calendar include the Ikbo Amaka Festival, Ikom Ogoja Carnival, Cultural Carnival, Knight of Kings and Queens, Junior Carnival, Bikers Carnival, Street Party/Colour Runs, and the Parade of the Bands.
The activities will run through December, with the final phase featuring the Junior Dry Run on December 13, Cultural Carnival on December 26, Parade of the Bands on December 28, Bikers Carnival on December 29, and Street Party/Colour Runs on December 30.
Organisers said the extended programme is expected to provide a platform for cultural expression, tourism promotion, and increased participation from communities within and outside Cross River State.
Carnival Calabar, widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s biggest cultural festivals and popularly described as “Africa’s Biggest Street Party,” remains a major tourism attraction for Cross River, drawing performers, visitors, and cultural enthusiasts from different parts of the world.
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