Carnival Calabar is targeting an economic impact exceeding the ₦19 billion recorded last year, with organisers announcing plans to expand digital participation and attract more international visitors to the 2026 edition.
Gatekeepers News reports that Gabe Onah, chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, disclosed this on Sunday in Calabar during the flag-off of the carnival’s first dry run.
He said the theme for this year’s edition is “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny,” reflecting Governor Bassey Otu’s vision of promoting love, equality and unity as foundations for collective progress.
“From my point of view of working with the Governor, I see him trying to equalize humanity. We are a common people, we are a common race, and nothing beats love. The carnival continues to remain the creative platform for our children to excel,” Onah said.
He noted that international institutions, including the United Nations and the European Union, had recognised love as an antidote to hatred. He also cited Albert Einstein’s statement that “the greatest bomb that can destroy hatred is love.”
Tracing the evolution of the carnival’s themes under the current administration, Onah said the first edition focused on “Season of Sweetness,” representing the return of peace and love, while the second centred on “Our Shared Prosperity.” The 20th anniversary edition celebrated “Traces of Time.”
“This year, he went back to his Pandora’s box to speak to the equality of mankind and that one humanity is the only way out to what became of the world after COVID. So this is what the bands are playing to achieve,” he said.
Carnival targets higher economic returns
Beyond cultural celebrations, Onah said the commission was committed to using Cross River State’s cultural heritage as a tool for tourism development, revenue generation and economic growth.
“Last year, as you are aware, the socio-economic impact was N19 billion. But we realize that we can make more,” he said.
He added that the commission was introducing digital innovations to enable spectators to participate more actively in the festival, including through online registration and voting.
“We are dedicating an immersive opportunity for spectators to contribute to who becomes the band of the year. So they are now active participants, not just watching. You and I will vote and register to become band members like we see in the Premiership League,” Onah explained.
The initiative is expected to give spectators a greater role in determining the winning carnival band, while expanding public engagement beyond the traditional street celebrations.
Davido, international participants expected
Onah confirmed that Afrobeats star Davido had signed up to perform at the 2026 carnival, adding that several countries had also expressed interest in participating.
He said between 10,000 and 52,000 revellers were expected to attend the festival, noting that the event held on Sunday was only a test run ahead of the main celebration.
The flag-off ceremony coincided with the 67th birthday of Governor Bassey Otu and marked the countdown to the main Carnival Calabar, scheduled for December.
The annual festival, widely promoted as Africa’s biggest street party, is expected to draw tourists, revellers and international guests to Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
