As the 2012 Calabar Festival kicks-off today with the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Millennium Park.
The Millennium Park, previously known as Eleven Eleven, was a memorial to mark the end of the World War II.A Park where the remains of the unknown fallen heroes of that war were laid to rest will interestingly be hosting the first 15 events of the festival for the first time.
Due to this increasing demand from teeming tourists, who want to travel to the state to be a part of the festival, major airlines decided to have more flight operations on the Calabar route.
One of such airlines, Aero Contractors in a statement to the organizers of the festival, disclosed that it was introducing “extra frequencies into Calabar from Lagos and Abuja with effect from the 1st of December, 2012”.
Meanwhile the Calabar Festival can be described as becoming a major festival in the continent as it has drawn dignitaries from all over. Dr Kwame MPOMAH ; the Country Director of UNAIDS, Dr Kwame MPOMAH, Lady Nkechi Onah, former National Coordinator of CISHAN, Professor Babtunde Osotomehin, the Executive Director of UNFPA, the Country Director of UNFPA, Dr. Victoria Mayogha and the Regional Head of UNFPA ,Sarah Masale have indicated intention to take part in some of the festival’s activities.
Legendary South African composer and trumpeter, Hugh Masekele will be making a guest appearance for the tree lighting exercise.
The organizers of the festival according to a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River State Governor and SA media, Christian Ita says, they are promising a bigger and better event this year.
Indeed, apart from the traditional activities, the organizers have introduced new events to the festival to ensure this year’s is the best ever.
Some of the new events introduced into the festival include the festival of Arts and craft.
There is also the poetry slam and a 3 on 3 basketball competition featuring teams from the USA, Cape Verde and Nigeria.
Other new events include a skating competition, premier of the movie, ‘Streets of Calabar and Hot Wheels featuring biking clubs.
