Calabar Cannival-And the rich Culture Heritage of the Efik People

This Hub is aim at enlightening many who are outside the shores of Africa about the abundant tourists destinations in the African Continent. I was very surprise to find out that a high profile public figure in the person of Sara parlin during the presidential campaign of 2008 had little knowledge that Africa is not synonymous with South Africa, i guess that was the only country she knew in Africa and in her estimation Africa = South Africa. This hub is not meant to indict any one, rather it is going to be more of an enlightenment on issues that are rarely mention in the western media.

All over The continent of Africa, there are diversity in culture, each having its own unique features. Nigeria is in a class of his own whenever Africa is view, i am not saying this because i am a Nigerian, rather i am saying this based on fact and figures that has been detailed long before i was born.

It is on record that no other African country has more cultural diversity than Nigeria has, this hub is about to introduce you to one of the various ethnic nationalities with rich cultural heritage.

The Calabar people of South South Nigeria have always been in the forefront of hospitality business in Nigeria. The world may not have known much about them until recently when democratic governance has placed the ancient city in broader limelight comparatively to the Caribbean islands and the South Americans version of cannibals.

Historically there is a close connection between the South American and the Caribbean carnivals and the one in Calabar. Although the reason for the modern day Calabar carnival was partly due to the determination of the government of Donald duke 1999-2007 to bring the state and indeed the whole country into limelight by displaying the rich cultural heritage and history of the people from this part of the country, nevertheless the tradition of the carnival is as old as the people.

i was reading through the Calabar carnival in Wikipedia where it is stated that the carnival started in 2004. I am writing this hub to put the record straight, Wikipedia is very wrong in stating that the carnival started in 2004 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabar_Carnival

Another site has it on record that the Calabar carnival is a return of the Trinidadian tradition returning to Africa http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1162/afar.2010.43.4.42

I don't have any objection to the title of the later, because it is a confirmation of the truth that indeed a cultural heritage of a people whose relations far from their homeland still survives centuries after they were stolen from the mainland into the Caribbean. Because Trinidadians are mostly of Efik/Ibibio, Igbo, Yoruba Heritage, and all these groups have carnivals as an integral part of their cultural heritage.

The prevailing economic condition in the mainland was not conducive for event in the order of a carnival, rightly due to the fact that after slavery, colonialism follow suit with it attendant economic effect on the colonized colony.

Soon after Independent, the Military Dictators took over thereby obstructing the will of the people to put their house in order and settle down to a more civilize life. Years after, with the help of the help of civil society groups and foreign voices, Democratic governance became the order of day.

It soon dawn on the newly elected governor of Cross River State in South South Nigeria that the State has no economy of its own save for the monthly Federal allocation or revenue accruing to the State. In the event of a major setback in the international price of oil, there will be a major setback in the State finance. Hence the move for an avenue to generate more funds and thereby creates an economy using the tourism sector as the pivot.

This was the beginning of the beginning of the Calabar Carnival christened The Biggest Street Party in Africa. It Started in 1999 Dec 1 to Dec 31, It only became a tourist tool in 2004 with Stakeholders and corporate organizations joining the train. Though the Carnival started in 1999, the spirit of the carnival has always been with the people for centuries unknown.

Though I have not been to Calabar since 2000 AD, I attended primary school there in the late 80s; I can recall vividly that from Dec 1 to Dec 31 of every year, it is always a carnival fanfare in the state this tradition has been for ages among the people. Masquerade upon masquerade, I mean organized masquerade parading very enlightened personalities from all walks of life usually dawn the street in colorful attires and dance steps.

Food is share by everyone to everyone, in fact if you don’t have money to celebrate Christmas go to Calabar from Dec 1 to Dec 31, you’ll be well fed freely by anonymous folks you know not. It is the spirit of the season that the people celebrate and they do so with ease.

When next you are looking for a destination to spend your Christmas, Come to Calabar (Come And Live And Be At Rest). It is the preferred destination for International Tourist nowadays during the Christmas Season, Visitors all over the world throng the ancient city and very clean and serene city of Calabar to while away time and get prepare for the next year.

The City of Calabar has an international Airport, Seaport, Free Trade zone, The internationally acclaimed Tinapa Business resort, Five star hotels and memorable site for completes relaxation of the visitors. The Obudu Cattle resort with its cable car is also a point of interest to visitors during the carnival period.

more carnival pictures, the reason why it is call The biggest Street party in Africa. Featuring great artist all over the world...http://lindaikeji.blogspot.com/2010/01/more-calabar-carnival-pictures.html

http://www.calabarfestival.com/

A trial to this historic city will surely erased all your doubt.