Cross River State Rolls Out New Mascot, Diasporan Band for Carnival Calabar

The Cross River State Government, on Sunday, at the second dry run ceremony of the Carnival Calabar, unveiled the new mascot and introduced a new Diasporan Band for the 20th anniversary of Carnival Calabar ahead of the much-awaited December ending Africa’s Biggest Street Party.

At the unveiling ceremony, the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Odey, described the moment as “another iconic chapter” in the state’s two-decade journey of building a world-class cultural and tourism brand.

Odey, alongside the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem and members of all the competing bands defied the heavy downpour to unveil the landmark mascot, described as “a design symbolising the pride and identity of the Cross River people.”

Representing the state governor, Bassey Otu, who was away for an official engagement, stated that “Africa’s biggest street party ” Carnival Calabar has become part of our identity, part of our history, and will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

He stated that the celebration, which is guided by this year’s carnival theme, “Traces of Time,” explores the historical and cultural journey of the Cross River people.

This theme was further strengthened in October when the state welcomed 92 members of the global African diaspora for a reconciliation and homecoming event.

In his remarks, Gabriel Onah, who is chairman of the Carnival Commission, stated the band’s significance, stressing, “We are unveiling the Carnival Calabar Diasporan Band with their unique theme that ties directly to ‘Traces of Time.’ They are speaking to the pains of history and the desire to reconcile.”

Onah used the occasion to call on people of African descent worldwide to join the Diasporan Band, saying, “I call on all diasporans around the world — including myself — to join the Diasporan Band and help chart a new direction for Carnival Calabar.”

The second dry run featured Ms Valerie, a cultural representative from Trinidad and Tobago, whose presence symbolised the strengthening of cultural ties between Caribbean and African carnival traditions.