Cross River State Christmas Festival
Each year, thousands of visitors are attracted to the Cross River State Christmas Festival. The Festival includes international and local artists, the Calabar Carnival, Boat Regatta, fashion shows, Christmas Village and traditional dance displays.
In 2004, Governor Donald Duke initiated the Cross River State Christmas Festival. This festival has become a most anticipated and talked about event attracting thousands of people from within Nigeria and beyond. It is a spectacular occasion, with 31 days filled with celebration, culture, music, art, and endless activities. The Cross River State uses the occasion to showcase the rich culture, history and natural beauty of the state and celebrate its African heritage.
The Festival begins at the end of November with the Xmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Dotted around the many interesting venues within the region, visitors can attend fashion shows, food demonstrations, cultural exhibits, talent shows, music concerts, funfairs, carol services, parades and picnics. The annual Boat Regatta is a colourful display of flamboyantly decorated boats pitting local riverine teams against each other.
The Calabar Carnival which has become the highlight of the festival is a showcase of performing arts and cultural heritage. Each year participants demonstrate their skills, routines, masquerades and magnificent costumes during a parade that promenades along a 12km route through the city of Calabar.
Through-out the Cross River State Christmas Festival there will be one or more events everyday. Please see the calendar of events below:
- 30th November - The Festival Theme Song.
- 30th November - The Xmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
- 1st December - The City Walk.
- 1st December - Release Of White Pigeons And Balloons.
- 1st December - The Xmas Arcade And Culture Village.
- 1st - 29th December - The Local Government Days.
- 2nd December - The Cradle Of The Bantu.
- 5th December - Kiddies Talent Hunt/Exhibition.
- 1st - 31st December - Film Shows.
- 1st - 30th December - Calisthenics Display.
- 7th December - Traditional Hair Show.
- 8th December- Cultural Fiesta.
- 12th December - Parade Of Masquerades.
- 13th December - The Land Of Natural Beauty.
- 14th December - The Rebirth Of Africa.
- 14th December - The African Weekend At The Ranch.
- 15th December - Down Memory Lane.
- 16th December - Shout For Joy/dance For The Lord.
- 19th December - African Food Expo.
- 24th December - The Carol Night: Carol Of Nine Lessons/Street Singing.
- 24th December - The Nativity Play.
- 25th December - Family Funfair.
- 25th December - Family Picnic.
- 26th & 27th December - Calabar Carnival.
- 28th December - The Tinapa Star Walk.
- 30th December - Boat Regatta.
- 1st January - The Inter-Denominational Service.