Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, and Egypt will take part in the Calabar Carnival in Cross River, Nigeria, in 2023.
Calabar Carnival, known as “the pride of Nigeria,” is a yearly cultural celebration held in eastern Nigeria.
The ‘Season of Sweetness’ edition will take place between December 1 and December 31 this year.
According to NAN, 26 Nigerian states have already expressed interest in participation in the yearly ritual.
Austine Cobham, the commission’s executive secretary, told reporters ahead of the event that the 2023 session will be a “pace-setter” for the 20-year-old carnival.
He stated that the participating countries and states will be free to “showcase their beauty, elegance, pageantry, and talents,” rather than being separated.
Cobham stated that enough provisions had been taken to ensure the safety of people and property before, during, and after the Yuletide carnival.
He also stated that the 31-day festival’s impact will be felt throughout the state, not only Calabar.
“We are working to ensure that the 2023 edition will be record-setting in comparison with editions held since 2004,” he said.
“We shall introduce new events at the 2023 carnival and reintroduce the children carnival, which had been stopped since 10 years ago.
“Concentration will not be in Calabar as the central and northern parts of the state will also be made to feel and enjoy the carnival.
“We are lighting up major roads and streets in Calabar for the festival, and same will be done in the central and northern parts of Cross River.”
