Calabar Carnival 2024: Calas Vegas Triumphs as Akwa Ibom Emerges First Place in State Category
In a showcase of music, dance, and cultural heritage, Calas Vegas Band emerged as the standout performer, clinching the top spots in both the Major and Junior Carnival categories while the visiting Akwa Ibom state claimed first place in the States cultural dance category in this year’s 2024 Carnival Calabar.
The band outperformed six other contenders to secure the coveted first-place title. The announcement was made following the conclusion of the Carnival Street Party, where adjudicators stationed at four key performance points evaluated the bands.
With stunning costumes and electrifying performances, the Calas Vegas band captivated both judges and revellers alike.
The Seagull band earned second place, while the Bayside band came in third.
The carnival featured seven competitive and seven non-competitive bands, all of which participated in a 12-kilometre parade stretching from Millennium Park through Mary Slessor Avenue to the UJ Esuene Stadium.
The competitive bands included Passion 4, Freedom, Bayside, Calas Vegas, Masta Blasta, Seagull, and Diamond. Each band presented performances aligned with the carnival’s theme, “Our Shared Prosperity.”
Passion 4, an 11-time Calabar Carnival champion, dazzled with green and pink costumes, delivering an energetic performance emphasizing the need for happiness in society.
Meanwhile, Seagull’s engaging displays highlighted peaceful coexistence as a pathway to prosperity and progress. The two-time carnival winner also stressed the importance of legislation, food security, transportation, welfare, and education in achieving societal goals.
The Diamond Carnival Band focused on peaceful coexistence as a means of attracting investors to both the state and the nation. Through a melodramatic performance, the band delivered a welcoming message to visitors and investors.
Freedom Carnival Band took a satirical approach, advocating for economic diversification and equitable resource distribution.
Bayside Carnival Band explored the sub-theme, “Our Culture, Our Strength,” showcasing the rich traditions of the Oyono community in Cross River.
The cultural carnival among states saw Akwa Ibom emerge as the winner, followed by Osun in second place and Delta in third.
In the Local Government Areas category, Yakurr claimed victory, while Calabar South and Odukpani secured second and third places, respectively.
In the Junior Carnival, Calas Vegas continued its dominance by winning first place. The Seagull band came second, and Bayside secured the third position.
The 2024 Calabar Street Carnival reaffirmed its status as one of Africa’s most colourful and culturally significant events, celebrating creativity, unity, and shared prosperity.
