Steemit Engagement Challenge Week2 || Share your Country's Culture || @suzybest

Hello great Steemians, i am very happy in joining this wonderful contest which allow us to express our own country's Festival as well as culture. I will be explaining in details the highest Festival here in Nigeria known as the Calabar Carnival

History of Calabar Carnival

Calabar Carnival is seen as one of the biggest Carnival in Nigeria. The origin of this Carnival started in the year 2004, when the then Governor of Cross River state His Excellency Donald Duke was on power.

The innovative of His Excellency was a kind of touring Cross River State into the first or number one tourist destination in Nigeria as this was a perfect way to boost tourism as well as the local economy.

As i am talking to you, the Calabar Carnival was tagged "Africa's Biggest Street Party", the initiatives of its creation was to make the state the most visited place in Nigeria as a tourist center as well as tourist around the world.

This carnival normally starts every 1 December and last till 31 December here in Nigeria as you can see the Nigerian's flag on the picture above and this has helped in oosting the heritage mosaic of Nigerian's people and also amused millions of spectators both in and out of the state by increased industries and stakeholders. Note, this idea was to make the state the hub for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and in Africa.

“According to Osima-Dokubo, the carnival directed to encompass more facets of localized heritage and culture and at the same time strengthen the capability of the local people to take part in an economically beneficial way”.

Therefore, Cross River State and Calabar has become the pride of the people of Nigeria likewise Africa in respect of tourism, Carnivals and hospitality.

Carnival Cup 2009

In the month of December 2009, the Carnival Committee organized a football competition amongst five competing carnival musicians such as Seagull, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Bayside and Freedom. There were also melodies presentation which include both localized and the globe creative persons. This annually Calabar Carnival help in bringing latest trend show, Christmas town, a traditional promenades and yearly Ekpe carnival. This event brins in thousands of people in the state to attend the Carnival.

The happening has hosted top Nigerian musicians, Nollywood Actors, Politicians and worldwide creative persons. Over the last 4 years worldwide creative persons like, the late Lucky Dube, Akon, Fat Joe, juvenile Jeezy, Nelly, Kirk Franklin, and many more has thrilled the large gathering of Nigerians and tourist from outside the homeland. Due to large crowd and fans that Nigerians creative person carries, 2013 Calabar Carnival would aim on Nigerian creative person.

The 2013 Calabar Carnival was strike at a higher grade through His Excellency Sen. Liyel Imoke the emeritus Governor of Cross River State. The theme of 2013 version was " Aint no stopping Us" and this was revealed by the Governor. The Governor gives his assurance to the people that even though the Calabar Carnival has been growing higher and higher, that 2013 will strike an all time high grade during the Carnival. In his statement, "a Nigerian artist rather than a foreign celebrity would handle the year 's event. This is because Nigerian headliners consistently drag bigger crowds than their global equivalent which brought good success and growth to the state.

Conclusion

Calabar Carnival in Cross River state has brought recognition to Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Obudu Cattle Range has also brought great recognition to the state, making the state to be the first tourist center and the most visited across Africa.

Thank you for your time