The 20th Carnival Calabar Dry Run launched on 13 October 2024 by Governor Bassey Otu signals the start of preparations for the 2024 Calabar Carnival, themed “Our Shared Prosperity.”

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State officially launched the 20th Carnival Calabar Dry Run on Sunday, 13 October 2024, as part of preparations for the upcoming Calabar Carnival in December.

Represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, the Governor introduced the theme of this year’s event, “Our Shared Prosperity.”

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He promised that this would be the biggest and most vibrant carnival to date, inviting visitors and tourists worldwide to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the event.

The dry run is the first of three preliminary events leading up to the main carnival. Thousands of participants, including competing and non-competing groups, took part, parading along a 12 km route in the heart of Calabar.

The atmosphere was lively and festive, reflecting the excitement of the approaching celebrations.

Dignitaries such as Mrs Onari Duke, the State Commissioner of Police CP Peter Okpara, and leaders of the seven carnival bands graced the event.

The Chairman of the Festival Committee, Effiong Ekpeyong, and Gab Onah, Chairman of the State Carnival Commission, expressed their enthusiasm and confirmed that all preparations were in place to ensure an unforgettable celebration. With this launch, Calabar is set for another thrilling carnival season.