Eyes the world over are beamed on Calabar, the Cross River State capital as the 2013 Carnival Calabar, takes centre stage today. The event, considered the biggest street party in all of Africa, will see the carnival branded bands; Seagull, Masta Blasta, Passion 4, Freedom and Bayside, thrill spectators from the Eleven Eleven roundabout through Calabar road, Mary Slessor street, Marian road, MCC, Calabar road again and terminating at the stadium.
The carnival, conceived by former governor, Donald Duke in 2004, has grown in leaps and bounds and has recently attracted the participation of international bands from as far as Brazil. This year’s carnival, calitown.com was informed, will have bands from Brazil, Burkina Faso, Nollywood , to mention a few.
Already, streets leading into and out of the Carnival route, have been locked down and a steady stream of spectators is gradually building on the route. Spectacular costumes, a hallmark of the carnival are visible as are a mass of band members.