GoAfrica Genealogy

Calabar Carnival: "Africa’s Biggest Street Party"
2025-12-26 08:00 - 23:30 (Africa/Lagos)
The Calabar Carnival is the most famous and grandest festival in Cross River State, often referred to as “Africa’s Biggest Street Party.” It takes place annually in December and attracts thousands of visitors from within and outside Nigeria. Established in 2004 by the former governor, Donald Duke, the carnival was designed to boost tourism and showcase the cultural richness of Cross River State. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most colorful and celebrated festivals in Africa.
Key Features of the Carnival

Street Parade and Band Competition

One of the highlights of the Calabar Carnival is the spectacular street parade, where different carnival bands compete for the title of the best band.
The major bands include Seagull Band, Masta Blasta Band, Passion 4 Band, Bayside Band, Freedom Band, and Diamond Band. Each band is uniquely identified by its colors and choreography.
Performers in elaborate costumes dance through the streets, displaying a fusion of traditional and contemporary artistic expressions.

Cultural and Musical Performances

The carnival features a variety of cultural displays, including traditional Efik dances and masquerade performances.
Both local and international musicians, comedians, and entertainers perform at various stages throughout the event. Past editions have featured top Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido, as well as international stars.

Carnival Village and Trade Fair

A designated Carnival Village serves as the hub for food, music, and art exhibitions.
Local artisans and businesses showcase and sell products, ranging from crafts to fashion items and food, promoting economic growth.

International Carnival & Bikers’ Parade

The event also includes an International Carnival, where performers from other countries showcase their unique cultures.
The Bikers’ Parade and the Governor’s Cup are additional highlights that feature motorcycle stunts and a golf tournament.

Economic and Tourism Impact

The Calabar Carnival boosts the economy of Cross River State by attracting thousands of tourists.
Hotels, restaurants, and businesses experience a surge in revenue during the carnival season.

Theme and Social Messages

Each year, the carnival has a specific theme that addresses social issues such as climate change, African unity, or youth empowerment.
The carnival also promotes peace, cultural exchange, and national unity.

The Calabar Carnival is more than just a festival—it is a cultural movement that enhances the identity of Cross River State while positioning it as a major tourism hub in Africa.

Leboku New Yam Festival: Celebrating Harvest and Tradition
2025-09-03 08:00 - 2025-09-24 17:00
The Leboku New Yam Festival is an annual festival celebrated in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. It is one of the most significant festivals among the Yakurr people and is held every August. The festival is a time to give thanks for the yam harvest, which is a staple food and a symbol of wealth and prosperity in many Nigerian communities.
Historical and Cultural Significance

The word “Leboku” means “festival of celebration” in the Yakurr language.
The festival has both spiritual and social significance, marking the end of the farming season and the beginning of a new cycle.
Traditionally, it is believed that the festival helps to bring blessings, fertility, and prosperity to the land.

Key Features of the Festival

Blessing of the New Yam

The festival begins with rituals performed by the village elders and priests, who offer prayers and sacrifices to the gods for a good harvest.
Only after these rituals can the people begin eating the new yams.

Cultural Performances and Masquerades

Traditional dances, drumming, and masquerade displays are major attractions during the festival.
Some masquerades are believed to represent ancestral spirits and play symbolic roles in protecting the community.

Wrestling Competitions

One of the highlights of the festival is the traditional wrestling contest, which serves as a test of strength and a means of selecting future warriors.
Young men participate in these fights to showcase their bravery and physical prowess.

Leboku Maiden Pageant

The festival includes the selection of the “Leboku Queen”, a beauty pageant that celebrates the beauty, culture, and intelligence of young Yakurr women.
The winner serves as an ambassador for the Yakurr people and represents them at other cultural events.

Exchange of Gifts and Community Feasting

Families prepare large meals made from yam and other local delicacies, which are shared with friends and neighbors.
It is also a time for gift exchanges, where young men present gifts to young women they admire, making the festival an opportunity for matchmaking.

Tourism and Economic Impact

The festival attracts visitors from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
The government and private organizations have invested in promoting Leboku as a tourism event, boosting the local economy.

Modern Developments

In recent years, the Cross River State government has partnered with sponsors to make the festival bigger and more organized.
It has become a platform to showcase the rich Yakurr cultural heritage while promoting tourism and unity among Nigerians.

The Leboku New Yam Festival remains a symbol of gratitude, cultural pride, and unity among the Yakurr people. It is a time when the people of Ugep come together to celebrate their identity, honor their ancestors, and prepare for another season of prosperity.

Igu Aro Festival
2025-02-03 08:00 - 2025-02-10 17:00
Overview
The Igu Aro Festival is an annual traditional Igbo festival that serves as a New Year celebration and a time for divination and prophecy regarding the upcoming year. The festival is deeply rooted in Igbo cosmology and is particularly significant in communities such as Awka, Umueri (Anambra State), and some parts of Imo State. It is regarded as an important event where the Eze (king) and traditional priests consult the gods and ancestors to reveal what the year holds for the people.
Date of Celebration

The Igu Aro Festival is usually celebrated in February each year.
The exact date may vary depending on the community and traditional calendar.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Marking the Igbo New Year

The festival signals the beginning of a new farming season, as agriculture is central to Igbo livelihoods.
It also marks an official transition from the previous year to the new one, allowing people to prepare for what lies ahead.

Divination and Prophecies

The Ndi Dibia (chief priests and diviners) conduct sacred rituals to interpret signs from the gods.
Predictions are made about farming, weather, politics, war, and the community’s fortunes.
The Eze (king) or traditional ruler proclaims the prophecies to the people.

Rituals and Offerings

The festival includes sacrifices and libations to appease the gods, ensuring fertility, prosperity, and protection for the community.
Symbolic items like kolanuts, palm wine, and yam tubers are offered to the spirits.

Community Cleansing and Unity

The event serves as a time for spiritual cleansing, where the community seeks to remove any curses, misfortunes, or evil influences from the land.
It also fosters unity, as Igbo sons and daughters return home to participate in the festivities.

Key Features of the Festival
1. The Traditional Proclamation by the King (Igu Aro Ceremony)

The Igu Aro (New Year Proclamation) is the highlight of the festival.
The king, elders, and diviners gather in the town square to declare the findings from the spiritual consultations.
The prophecy includes insights into whether the year will bring prosperity, conflicts, or challenges.

2. Cultural Dances and Masquerade Displays

The festival features vibrant masquerade performances, including the famous Mmanwu masquerades that represent ancestral spirits.
Traditional dances such as the Atilogwu and Nkwa Umuagbogho (maidens’ dance) entertain the crowd.

3. Wrestling Contests and Strength Demonstrations

Young men engage in wrestling matches, a display of strength and bravery in Igbo tradition.
Winners earn respect and social status within the community.

4. Feasting and Celebration

Families prepare and share special meals made from yam, palm wine, and traditional Igbo soups.
The festival is a time for reconciliation, where past disputes are settled, and community bonds are renewed.

Modern-Day Significance
Today, the Igu Aro Festival continues to be a major cultural event in parts of Anambra and Imo States, attracting visitors and cultural enthusiasts. While it retains its spiritual and agricultural roots, it has also become a tourist attraction, drawing people who seek to experience authentic Igbo traditions.
The festival remains a strong symbol of Igbo identity, resilience, and communal living, ensuring that ancient traditions are passed down to future generations.
