Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has flagged off the first dry run of the 2026 Carnival Calabar amid a heavy downpour, describing the festival as a celebration of the state’s cultural identity and a platform for rethinking the collective destiny of its people.
Governor Otu, represented by his Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, performed the ceremonial flag-off, commending participants and spectators who braved the unfavourable weather to witness the commencement of activities ahead of the main festival.
Speaking at the ceremony, Odey said the carnival offered an opportunity for Cross Riverians to reflect on their shared aspirations, celebrate their cultural heritage and strengthen their commitment to a common future. “As a people, we will continue to rethink our collective destiny,” he said, highlighting the significance of the 2026 theme, “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny.”
Explaining the governor’s late arrival, Odey said it was due to activities marking his birthday before he proceeded to the venue. He subsequently declared: “On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, and the great, resilient people of our dear state, who have defied the weather to be here today, I hereby flag off the first dry run of the 2026 Carnival Calabar in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The 2026 theme provides a creative framework for participating carnival bands to communicate messages of unity, cultural pride, shared responsibility and collective progress through colourful costumes, music, choreography and artistic performances. Beyond entertainment, it encourages residents to reflect on their shared identity and consider how their individual contributions can advance the state’s development aspirations.
Carnival Calabar remains one of Cross River State’s signature cultural events, projecting its heritage, artistic creativity and hospitality to national and international audiences. The festival strengthens the state’s profile as a cultural tourism destination while providing opportunities for young people and creative professionals, including dancers, musicians, costume designers, choreographers and performers, to showcase their talents.
The festival also offers economic opportunities across the hospitality, transportation, food, fashion, entertainment and retail sectors. Increased visitor traffic during the carnival season can boost demand for hotel accommodation, restaurant services, local products and transportation, supporting small businesses, creating employment and contributing to economic diversification.
The first dry run marks a critical stage in preparations for the main festival, allowing participating bands to test performances, refine choreography, assess costumes and demonstrate readiness. It also enables organisers to evaluate coordination, logistics and other operational arrangements ahead of subsequent rehearsals and the main carnival. Despite the heavy rainfall, the determination of participants and spectators reflected the enthusiasm surrounding the festival.
As preparations gather momentum, the 2026 Carnival Calabar is expected to provide another opportunity for Cross River State to showcase its cultural diversity, promote tourism and stimulate economic activities through entertainment and creative expression. With its emphasis on rethinking the collective destiny of the people, the festival reinforces the importance of unity, shared responsibility and a common vision for sustainable development.
The first dry run of the 2026 Carnival Calabar reached a colourful climax with the cutting of a birthday cake in honour of Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, whose 67th birthday anniversary coincided with the event.
The brief but symbolic ceremony, performed amid cheers from carnival bands, revellers and spectators who defied heavy rainfall, added a celebratory touch to the flag-off and underscored the significance of the day.
The moment highlighted the unity and festive spirit that Carnival Calabar represents, blending the celebration of the Governor's personal milestone with the state's iconic cultural showcase.
By Daniel Bebia
