Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has unveiled “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny” as the theme for Carnival Calabar 2026, declaring that the festival will embrace fresh innovations aimed at expanding public participation, creating economic opportunities and enhancing its international appeal.
The governor unveiled the theme on Sunday night in Lagos during the official launch of the carnival’s 21st anniversary edition, attended by diplomats, tourism stakeholders, cultural enthusiasts and government officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Otu described the theme as a call for collective reflection and action towards unlocking the full potential of Carnival Calabar as a vehicle for economic growth, cultural preservation and tourism development.
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“We are not just unveiling a theme; we are unveiling a vision,” the governor said.
“‘Rethinking Our Collective Destiny’ challenges us to look beyond where we are today and imagine what we can achieve together as a people through culture, tourism and creativity.”
He noted that Carnival Calabar had grown into one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural events, providing a platform to showcase Cross River State to a global audience while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, artisans, performers and young people.
According to him, the festival must continue to evolve through innovation and wider participation to ensure that its benefits reach communities across the state.
“This carnival belongs to all of us, and its success depends on our collective commitment,” Otu added.
Chairman of the Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, announced that the 2026 edition would introduce online voting, allowing members of the public to play a more active role in the carnival rather than merely watching from the sidelines.
He said the initiative would deepen audience engagement while strengthening community ownership of the festival.
Onah also revealed plans to commercialise various carnival products and activities as part of efforts to generate jobs and business opportunities for young people.
In addition, organisers are partnering with creative industry stakeholders to produce films inspired by the carnival and develop digital platforms that will enable audiences around the world to experience the festival in real time.
Executive Director of General Entertainment at MultiChoice, Busola Tejumola, said the carnival had undergone remarkable transformation over the past 15 years and should increasingly focus on telling the stories behind its elaborate costumes, performances and cultural heritage.
She noted that audience voting would enrich the carnival experience by giving participants a greater sense of involvement.
Also speaking, Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, Paulo Santos, described Carnival Calabar as a world-class cultural platform comparable to major carnivals across Europe, the Americas and Brazil.
According to him, the festival’s scale, professionalism and unique attractions, including dedicated segments for children and bikers, distinguish it from many similar events around the world.
“Culture is the easy way for countries to come together and get closer,” Santos said.
He added that his visits to museums in Calabar reinforced the city’s cultural richness and underscored the festival’s ability to connect with global audiences while strengthening cultural diplomacy.
Leader of the CalasVegas Band, Chief Edem Duke, disclosed that the group had been selected to represent Nigeria at a carnival in India, highlighting the growing international recognition of Carnival Calabar and its participants.
Tourism promoter and Convener of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, called on tour operators, travel agencies, tourism associations and media organisations to intensify efforts to market Cross River as a premier destination for the year-end holiday season.
He said Carnival Calabar had provided Nigeria with a globally competitive tourism product capable of attracting visitors from across the world and urged stakeholders to develop attractive travel packages around the festival.
Uko expressed optimism that coordinated marketing efforts could significantly increase visitor arrivals during the 2026 edition.
President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Aliyu Badaki, commended the organisers for sustaining a festival that continues to generate economic benefits for Cross River State and its people.
He pledged the support of tourism practitioners nationwide and described Carnival Calabar as a model for cultural tourism, creating opportunities for local businesses, costume makers, service providers and other stakeholders while attracting visitors from around the globe.
