Travel

Colours of Calabar

Hey Guys! So sometimes last year, I was in Calabar for the yearly carnival that happens towards the end of every year. I had heard about the carnival few years back when it was started by the then Governor Donald Duke and had subsequently seen it on TV, Social Media and pages of newspaper. Last year instead of spending the yuletide season with family which is usually the norm, I decided to go see Africa’s biggest street party.

Calabar Carnival

I was so excited to be bound for Calabar and anticipated the beauty and splendor that would be on display and I was not disappointed.

Calabar Carnival 2015

Calabar Carnival 2015

Calabar Festival

Calabar Carnival 2015

Carnival Display

Carnival Colours

Carnival in Calabar

Calabar Carnival 2015

Miss Nigeria

There were also foreign troops who were on hand to display the colours, beauty and art of their various countries.  Of particular interest to me were the Flag twirlers of Corinado, Italy, Vai Vai of Brazil and the Bomas of Kenya.

Flag Twirlers of Corinado Italy

Carnival Outfit

Foregin Troops

Carnival Calabar wasn’t just all about colours and fun, apart from being exciting, it was educational. Climate change was the theme and themed outfits were also on display to sensitize people of the ills of environmental degradation. There was also the plant a tree campaign which sensitized the people on the need to go green.

Green Calabar

 

Methane

Daisy

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Tree Barks at Calabar Carnival

What thrilled me was the fact that the locals were an active part of the festival parade and were clad in various attires under different bands. They put their heart and soul to it to ensure their bands put up the best performance as the best band is usually recognized and awarded. Those who could not take part were however on the streets to watch.

Boy at Calabar Carnival

Girl at Calabar Carnival

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The carnival parade was on till late at night. I had been out since sunrise, hence I did not go with them to the stadium where there was an all night showcase.

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I was asked on various occasions by people to take pictures of them but unfortunately I couldn’t print. Although I promised to have the pictures sent to them, I haven’t.  I hope to send them soonest just in case one of you is reading this. These little boys also asked me to take a photo of them and this is by far my favorite picture. The picture tells a story of love, bond and togetherness which is really the essence of the carnival if you ask me. The happiness as expressed by them is contagious and effortless.

Boys at Calabar Festival

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16 Comments

  • Reply Adepeju April 30, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    Nice…. I must go for the next carnival.

    • AE
      Reply AE May 2, 2016 at 9:28 am

      Yup! You should! I’m sure Ghana has a lot to see too…Cant wait to be in Ghana sometimes this year!

  • Reply Godfrey April 30, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    Wow! This is so lovely Anu. You never stop to amaze me with your wonderful adventures. I should join you in 2016 colours of Calabar. Happy to see Bomas of Kenya. It makes me so proud of my country. African tourism at its best. Proudly African.

    • AE
      Reply AE May 2, 2016 at 9:26 am

      Lol…You should! I should also be in Kenya before the end of this year! Cant wait to explore Kenya with you! #ProudlyAfrican

  • Reply EnnieExpensive April 30, 2016 at 7:47 pm

    Oh how nice.

    Hahahaha those kids gat swagg.

    Haven’t being to calabar festival. I hope to experience the colour this December. So much to look out for, thanks to Anu.

    • AE
      Reply AE May 2, 2016 at 9:25 am

      looooool…they do! Yup! Ennie, soooo much! You’re welcome!

  • Reply David April 30, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    Awesome pictures. Now I have no reason to miss the next one!

    • AE
      Reply AE May 2, 2016 at 9:24 am

      Thanks David! You really have no reason to,Its really exciting

  • Reply Tricia May 1, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    Wonderful!! So much colours! really hope to be at the next one

    • AE
      Reply AE May 2, 2016 at 9:16 am

      Yup! You Should! Its in December so start planning towards it.

  • Reply Olopade sesan May 1, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    kalaba lo Nisan….beautiful ladies

    • AE
      Reply AE May 2, 2016 at 10:16 am

      looool…smh

  • Reply Mike May 1, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    Nice stuff

    • AE
      Reply AE May 2, 2016 at 9:14 am

      Thanks Mike!

  • Reply Olushola Ojo May 5, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    Nice one AE. Am hoping to be part of that carnival someday.

  • Reply Mcjoe Richies May 16, 2016 at 8:49 am

    Beautiful wish I could b there someday

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