The Carnival Calabar Commission has announced that the yearly theme-unveiling event for the 2026 edition of Carnival Calabar will be held on May 31, 2026, at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. This annual event, organized by the Cross River State Carnival Commission, serves to announce the theme that guides the bands in their choreography and overall presentation of the carnival.
Engagement with Stakeholders
The unveiling event provides an opportunity for the state to engage with stakeholders, sponsors, and the diplomatic community as part of the preparations for the annual carnival. This year, His Excellency Ambassador Gautier Mignot of the European Union is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour, while His Excellency Ambassador Paulo Santos of Portugal will serve as the Guest of Honour.
Strategic Visit to Multichoice Nigeria
In the lead-up to the unveiling, the Chairman of Carnival Calabar, Dr. Gabe Onah, paid a strategic visit to Multichoice Nigeria Canal+ Company. He was accompanied by the Lead Marketing Consultant of Carnival Calabar, Mrs. Mary Ephraim-Egbas. The delegation was received by the Chief Executive Officer of Multichoice Nigeria Canal+ Company, Ms. Kemi Okunola, and the Executive Director of General Entertainment at Multichoice Nigeria, Dr. Busola Tejumola.
During the visit, the delegation briefed Multichoice on plans for digital transformation and streaming to a global audience for this year's event, as well as the official unveiling of the theme for the 21st Carnival Calabar and Festival. The unveiling is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, at Eko Hotel in Lagos.
Significance of Carnival Calabar
Carnival Calabar is recognized as the biggest Street Dance Parade in Africa, held every December in Cross River State. It is one of the most prominent tourism events in West Africa, attracting millions of visitors to Cross River annually. The theme unveiling event is a key part of the preparations, setting the tone for the grand celebration.
