Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River on Thursday flagged off the street party of the 2023 edition of Carnival
Calabar, with the theme, “Season of Sweetness”.

Governor Otu, during the ceremony held at the Millennium Park in Calabar, said this was a fulfillment of
one of his campaigns promises to bring back the carnival on a bigger platform, and appreciated the direct
organizer of the carnival for a job well done, considering the level of organization.
All seven carnival bands in different colorful attires displayed all forms of dance in reflection of the rich
culture of the state.
The carnival has all the bands to perform in various theatrical areas from the Millennium Park, with a
brief halt at each adjudication points and finally end the carnival at the UJ Esuene Stadium.
The bands are: Freedom, Passion 4, Bayside, Calasvegas, Masta Blasta, Seagull and Diamond, who are to
cover a 12km distance during the carnival.