Carnival Calabar: C’River unveils anniversary mascot 

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

As the 20th edition of Calabar carnival approaches in December, Cross River State Government has unveiled the official mascot for this year’s carnival with the introduction of a new Band called the “Diaspora Band” which is the sixth band that will be competing in this year’s  Carnival.

Speaking during the official  unveiling ceremony, the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, described the moment as “another iconic chapter” in the state’s two-decade journey of building a world-class cultural and tourism brand. 

During the event, Odey, The State Deputy Governor in the company of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem unveiled the mascot, which was described as “symbolizing the pride and identity of the Cross River people.”

Unveiling it on behalf of Governor Otu, Odey declared, “Carnival Calabar has become part of our identity, part of our history, and will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

The celebrations are guided by this year’s carnival theme, “Traces of Time,” which explores the historical and cultural journey of the Cross River people. 

This theme was strengthened in October when the state welcomed 92 members of the global African diaspora for a reconciliation homecoming.

The Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, emphasized the band’s significance, stating, “We are unveiling the Carnival Calabar Diasporan Band with their unique theme that ties directly to ‘Traces of Time.’ They are speaking to the pains of history and the desire to reconcile.”

Onah used the occasion to call on people of African descent worldwide to join the Diasporan Band, saying, “I call on all diasporans around the world — including myself — to join the Diasporan Band and help chart a new direction for Carnival Calabar.”

The event also featured Ms. Valerie, a cultural representative from Trinidad and Tobago, whose presence symbolized the strengthening of cultural ties between Caribbean and African carnival traditions.