The 20th edition of the Carnival Calabar ended on a celebratory note as winners emerged across key categories at the much-anticipated carnival parade, reinforcing the event’s status as Africa’s biggest street party.
In the Cultural Carnival State category, Rivers State claimed the top prize, impressing judges and spectators with its rich cultural display and choreography.
At the local government level, Calabar South emerged victorious in the Cultural Carnival LGA category, earning accolades for its creativity and strong representation of local heritage.
The Children Carnival segment saw Freedom Band take the crown, standing out for its colourful presentation and engaging performance that highlighted the growing role of young participants in sustaining the carnival’s legacy.
In the highly competitive Main Carnival, Calasvegas was crowned champion with 2,371.8 points, capping off the grand parade with a performance that blended spectacle, music and storytelling, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Seagull Band closely followed in the second position with 2,203.9 points putting up a stiff challenge. While Passion 4 Band came third with 2,203.4 points.
Freedom Band came fourth with 2,167.8 points, Masta Blasta Band garnered 2, 167.3 points, maintaining fifth position, while Diamond Band and Bay Side Band came sixth and seventh positions with 2,145.1 points and 2,110.4 points respectively.
Organisers described the outcomes as a fitting climax to the 20th anniversary of Carnival Calabar, celebrating two decades of cultural expression, creativity and unity through dance, music and performance.
