Calabar Festival to Launch Digital Voting and Streaming

The Calabar Festival is set to implement digital streaming and online voting for the 2026 carnival, aimed at increasing public engagement. Chief Gabe Onah, the Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, announced these initiatives during the Akwaaba Travel Market.

The digital voting system will allow Nigerians and Africans to register with carnival bands and pre-marching clubs, as well as vote for their preferred performances. This system will complement the existing judging process, which evaluates artistic and technical elements of the carnival, including floats and performances.

Additionally, various festival activities, such as the choir competition and bikers’ displays, will be accessible to the public through the digital platform. Onah emphasized the importance of restoring the festival's international segment to maintain Calabar's global appeal and advocated for collaboration among tourism stakeholders to address shared challenges and opportunities in the sector.