The Abuja Carnival will

• showcase traditional African Carnival of Music, Dance and Arts

• celebrate the individuality and unity of the State Governments and people of Nigeria

• celebrate the role of the City of Abuja as the Unifier or the Centre of Unity of Nigeria

• educate and inform the world of the rich, culture and history of Nigeria.

• highlight Nigeria as safe and secure destination for tourism.

• showcase Nigeria as a country steeped in culture, history and modernity.

• be the vehicle for active promotion of the tourist attractions in Nigeria.

• be the vehicle for the promotion and encouragement of domestic or inter-state tourism in Nigeria

Durbar

• This is an established cultural event commonly found among the people of Northern Nigeria. It is one of the world’s longest processions of horsemen and women and reveals the past glories of the Emirate before the influence of Western culture. 

  The horses are clad in rich costumes and decorations and their riders are usually adorned with swords, polished and glinting and rich traditional headwear and robes. 

  There will be a 5,000 strong Durbar procession through the designated area of Abuja.

• This is a display of the rich cultural heritage of the riverine people of Nigeria. 

  They dance, gyrate and put up performances to thrill their audience. 

  The Abuja Carnival will parade this flamboyant and colourful regatta on the streets, as well as on the lake.

   

• Nigerian tradition is music rich. It is said that music is the essence of Nigerian life. 

  Some of the traditional music and dance that will be performed include Koroso Dance Music from Kano State; the famous talking drum music in Western States; the Atilogwu from the Eastern part of Nigeria; Jarawa from Plateau; Ekemini music of Akwa-Ibom State; Swange dance of the Tiv to mention a few. 

  Of course, all these traditional dances will be performed in both a traditional and contemporary manner and the music played will definitely include many other forms of contemporary dance.

   

• DJ's playing contemporary international music from Africa, US, the Caribbean and Europe will be a major feature of the Abuja Carnival. Strategically positioned around the Carnival Route, they will encourage the cross cultural fertilisation between local art, culture and the international music scene.

• A parade that includes all cultural expressions of the people of Nigeria. Abuja Carnival 2005 aims to reflect Abuja’s political position as “THE CENTRE OF UNITY”.

• The circus is made up of  itinerant players who are mostly acrobats, comedians, fire-swallowers, jugglers, magicians, live animal handlers and jesters.

• Eran Igbe Venison, Isi-ewu, Cow foot, Salted Meats, Fish, Pepper Soup,Ogi, Garri, Obe-Onigba, Obe Eja Dindin, Chin Chin, Puff Puff, Spicy Scrambled Egg, Waina, Akara, Fried Plantain, Kuli Kuli, Dodo Oni and many more delightful dishes to make your mouth and eyes water.

   

• Textiles; Leather craft; Carvings; Bronzes; Beads; Paintings; Plaited Baskets etc.

• The procession will travel for over 7 kilometres along Ahmadu Bello Way and climax in Eagle Square before the Honourable President Olusegun Obasanjo and his guests.