There was a boisterous start of the much-anticipated Calabar Festival yesterday, as over 40 troupes; consisting 22 states, 18 local government areas of the state and more than eight cultural groups stormed the streets of Calacar for a preliminary parade. The four kilometre parade which took off at the Millennium Park, through Mary Slessor Avenue, Marian and IBB roads, terminated at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, featuring an array of cultures, expressed in costumes, dances, traditional instruments and kaleidoscope of colours that depicting the Nigerian heritage. The parade was part of the 32-day annual revelry that has branded Calabar as a revered tourism destination in the country. During the festival, which usually ends few days to the New Year, several free shows and entertainment activities are held every evening and late into the nights at a number of venues – the Millennium Park, The U J Esuene Stadium, the Cultural Centre Complex, Marina Beach and Resort, Tinapa and the Botanical Garden. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke who was accompanied by top government officials and representatives of the various participating groups, raised the hope that the festival which is growing in lips and bounds will always introduce innovations that will make it more attractive to tourists each year. - See more at: abujavoice/calabar-festival-kicks-off-with-cultural-parade/#sthash.OfcLRbL0.dpuf
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 22:22:53 +0000