By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has held the first dry run for Carnival Calabar 2026, targeting increased visitor turnout and higher tourism revenue ahead of the December festival.
The exercise, flagged off in Calabar on Sunday by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, took place amid torrential rainfall.
Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gab Onah, said the government was seeking to build on the estimated N19 billion economic impact of the 2025 carnival by attracting more visitors, expanding business opportunities and increasing public participation.
Onah said the commission had introduced online registration and voting to enable members of the public to register as band members and vote for the Band of the Year.
He said the initiative was aimed at expanding participation beyond spectators at the carnival parades and connecting more people to the festival.
The 2026 edition is themed “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny.” Onah said the theme promotes unity, inclusiveness and shared humanity.
He added that the dry run would help the commission assess the preparedness of competing bands ahead of the main carnival in December.
On entertainment, Onah disclosed that Nigerian music star Davido had indicated his readiness to participate in this year’s festivities, while discussions with international participants were ongoing.
Carnival Calabar is one of Cross River State’s major annual tourism events, attracting visitors and creating business opportunities across the state.
