Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has unveiled the theme for the 2026 edition of Carnival Calabar, outlining plans to expand public participation, strengthen tourism and create more economic opportunities through the annual festival.

The governor announced the theme, “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny,” during the launch of the carnival’s 21st anniversary edition at an event held in Lagos on Sunday night.

According to Otu, the theme reflects a commitment to repositioning the carnival as a platform for cultural preservation, tourism development and economic growth while encouraging stakeholders to explore new opportunities within the creative and tourism sectors.

He described Carnival Calabar as a major vehicle for projecting Cross River State to a global audience and generating value for businesses, artisans, performers and young entrepreneurs.

The governor said his administration would continue to introduce innovations aimed at broadening participation and ensuring that the benefits of the festival reach communities across the state.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Carnival Calabar Commission, , announced plans to introduce online voting for the 2026 edition, a move he said would give audiences and communities a more active role in the festival.

Onah explained that the initiative is part of efforts to transform spectators into participants while creating additional opportunities for engagement and commercial growth around the carnival.

He added that organisers are working with creative partners to develop films inspired by the festival and digital platforms that will allow global audiences to follow events in real time.

Representing the entertainment industry, said the carnival has grown significantly over the years and should increasingly highlight the cultural stories and heritage behind its costumes and performances.

She noted that the planned audience voting system would deepen engagement and enhance the overall carnival experience.

The Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, , described Carnival Calabar as a globally competitive cultural event, comparing it favourably with major carnivals across Europe, the Americas and Brazil.

According to him, the festival’s scale, organisation and diverse attractions have helped position it as an important platform for cultural exchange and international engagement.

Meanwhile, leader of the CalasVegas Band, , disclosed that the group has been selected to represent Nigeria at a carnival event in India.

Tourism promoter and Convener of the , , urged tourism stakeholders to develop travel packages around the carnival and market Cross River aggressively as a destination for the year-end festive season.

He said the festival has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most recognisable tourism products and possesses the capacity to attract even more international visitors.

President of the , , also commended organisers for sustaining the event over the years.

Badaki said the carnival continues to deliver economic benefits to local businesses, costume makers, service providers and tourism operators while promoting Cross River as a leading cultural tourism destination.

The 2026 edition is expected to build on the festival’s reputation as one of Africa’s biggest street carnivals, with organisers targeting increased local and international participation through new digital and audience-engagement initiatives.