To foster full participation in its flagship tourism event, Carnival Calabar, the Cross River State Government has declared Friday, December 27th, and Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, as work-free days for civil and public servants.
Governor Bassey Otu said the announcement aligns with the state’s policy of promoting active involvement in the globally renowned carnival, which has become a key cultural and tourism highlight.
According to the statement, Friday, December 27, is reserved for the Junior Carnival Parade, while Tuesday, December 31, marks a special day leading into New Year’s celebrations on January 1, 2025, which has already been declared a federal public holiday.
"Civil and public servants are expected to report to their duty posts as usual on dates not specifically mentioned as work-free", it said.
Also known as Africa's Biggest Street Party, the Calabar Carnival was started in 2004 by former governor Donald Duke of Cross River, as a way to promote tourism and improve the local economy. According to Osima-Dokubo, "the carnival aimed to include more aspects of local heritage and culture and at the same time strengthen the capacity of the locals to participate in an economically beneficial way."
