On Wednesday, the children’s carnival portion of Carnival Calabar made a spectacular return, enthralling attendees with a variety of dance acts that exquisitely reflected the rich cultural legacy of Cross River.
The children, in their many, gave acts that radiated happiness in keeping with the carnival’s motto, “Season of Sweetness.”
At the Children’s Carnival, no fewer than seven bands performed at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
There has been much anticipation for this year’s resumption of the Children’s Carnival since the state administration announced in 2015 that it would be temporarily suspended.
The performances stood out for combining regional music in a variety of languages, bringing a lively spirit to the carnival.
The Bayside Band captivated the crowd with Onyeka Onwenu’s classic song, “One Love,” during their performance, which had as its theme the “Circus of Happiness.”
During their march, Passion 4, a band with an impressive track record of victories in prior competitions, displayed incredible inventiveness. Members cleverly imitated drums, guitars, and keyboards with their bodies, highlighting the importance of hard work in obtaining academic achievement.
Other bands, like Masta Blasta, Freedom, and Diamond, were part of the march and added to the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.