Calabar is the capital city in Cross River State, coastal South Eastern Nigeria. The original name for Calabar was Akwa Akpa, from the Efik language. The city is watered by the Calabar and Great Kwa Rivers and creeks of the Cross River.

Calabar Carnival also tagged ” Africa’s Biggest Street Party”, was created as part of the vision to make Cross River State in Nigeria, the No. 1 tourist destination for Nigerians and tourist all over the world.

The carnival starts every 1st December and lasts till 31st December has boosted the cultural mosaic of Nigeria people while entertaining millions of spectators within and outside the State, and boosting industry for all stakeholders.

The Carnival started 2004 when the governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke, had a vision of making the state a hub for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa. The Carnival presents a perfect platform from brand visibility for consumer and market awareness. “According to Osima-Dokubo, the carnival aimed to include more aspects of local heritage and culture and at the same time strengthen the capacity of the locals to participate in an economically beneficial way.” Recently, Cross River State has become the pride of Nigeria in the areas of tourism, carnivals and hospitality.