Calabar Carnival & Festival

Theme: Traces of Time

Dec. 26 - Dec. 31, 2025

Fun Facts:

 

  • Started: December 2004

  • Organizer: Cross River State

  • Title: Africa’s Biggest Street Party

  • Music: 5 Bands

  • Calabar: Hospitality Capital of Nigeria

Calabar Carnival Countdown

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Why Calabar Carnival

Discover Africa's Biggest Street Party

Forget Rio for a minute—it’s time to turn your gaze to Nigeria. Every December, the Calabar Carnival transforms the ancient and serene city of Calabar into a kaleidoscope of sound, color, and electric energy.

Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, seeking vibrant cultural experiences, a carnival lover looking for the world’s most mesmerizing costumes, or simply want to find the best holiday destination this December,  “Africa’s Biggest Street Party” offers  a profound celebration of African heritage, unity, and creativity.

Get ready to dive into the rhythm of Cross River State and discover why this West African gem belongs at the top of your travel bucket list.

Experience Africa's Biggest Street Party the Right Way

Calabar Carnival 101

Fly into Lagos or Abuja, then connect with Air Peace, Ibom Air or United Nigeria for the 1-hour hop to Margaret Ekpo International Airport (CBQ). Pre-arrange hotel or Uber/Bolt airport pickup; random taxis are discouraged

Book early—rooms sell out by October. 

Book fenced hotels in Marian or Watt Market axis—Transcorp, Channel View, or boutique guesthouses. Demand 24-h power, generator, and carnival shuttle; rates double in December.

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Calabar is Nigeria’s safest carnival city; still, move in groups after dark, use registered blue taxis, keep copies of passport, and store hotel security number on speed-dial. Leave valuables in room safe; carnival crowds are pick-pocket hotspots 

Eat early, eat hot: try Afang soup, fresh bonga fish, and Ekpang Nkukwo at Freddy’s or Native Delicacies. Stick to bottled water, busy stalls, and hotel breakfast; spice levels are high, request mild if needed

Cash is King! Naira only avoid spending foreign currency; change at airport or trusted hotel desk. ATMs can empty during carnival—withdraw daytime, shield PIN, and carry small notes for street food & tips. Cards accepted at major hotels; inform bank before travel

Okadas banned in centre; rely on metered “city cabs” (₦1 k/h) or hotel cars. Download “Taxify” (Bolt) before landing; negotiate airport drop first, then switch to city rates. Walking is pleasant downtown during daylight