Calabar was recently awash with colour, rhythm and cultural pride as Carnival Calabar celebrated its 20th anniversary in December 2025, reaffirming its reputation as Africa’s biggest street party. With the theme “Traces of Time”, the landmark edition delivered a powerful blend of history, creativity and modern expression that kept the city alive for days.

The festivities kicked off on December 26, 2025, with the glamorous Night of Kings & Queens, which transformed the waterfront into a majestic display of royalty and elegance. Dressed in intricately beaded costumes and radiant crowns, kings and queens paraded to the delight of cheering spectators, setting a grand tone for the anniversary celebration.

On December 27, attention turned to the Junior Carnival, where children stole the show with vibrant performances and colourful costumes. Their infectious joy and enthusiasm highlighted the carnival’s enduring legacy and underscored the importance of passing cultural values to the next generation.

The excitement intensified on December 28 with the adrenaline-filled Bikers Carnival. Hundreds of bikers rode through the streets in a striking fusion of contemporary style and traditional elements, as roaring engines blended seamlessly with local drumbeats, drawing massive crowds along the route.

The grand finale came on December 29, when the Main Carnival Parade took over the city in spectacular fashion. Lavishly designed floats depicting Africa’s past, present and future rolled through the streets, while top bands such as Passion 4 and Calas Vegas delivered compelling performances rooted in history, resilience and hope. Music star Tiwa Savage thrilled fans at the J. U. Esuene Stadium, while fireworks lit up the Calabar skyline, bringing the 20th anniversary to a memorable close.

As the curtains fell on Carnival Calabar 2025, the city was left buzzing with stories and shared experiences that will form new “traces of time.” Two decades on, the festival once again proved that Calabar’s history is not only preserved but vividly celebrated through dance, music and collective joy. (Saturday Tribune)

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