Nigerians are happy people who love to have a good time. Loud, boisterous, showy, proud and over the top; you can call us what you may. That doesn’t stop us from being Nigerians anywhere in the world.
As true as we are to finding a good time, we always love to find the best spots in town or in the country to enjoy the best of our Naija flavours. In this article, we shall be showing you five popping places to be in Nigeria this Christmas season while looking for a good time!
1. Calabar Christmas Carnival
The largest street party in this part of Africa, the Calabar Christmas carnival used to be a month-long activity filled with parades, fun, masquerades, music, dance, festivals and more. In recent years, the Cross River State Government has reduced the duration to two weeks.
This year, the Cultural carnival will be rolling in on the 26th of December, while the Children’s carnival will be starting a day after, on the 27th. After these, the main carnival would commence on Saturday, 28th of December and the celebrations are expected to usher in the new year 2025.
2. The Lagos Countdown (Greater Lagos Fiesta)
This fiesta is formerly and popularly known as the Lagos Countdown and. It was renamed the One Lagos Fiesta in 2015. Now it is known as the Greater Lagos Fiesta. Every year on New Year’s Eve, the festival takes place in Lagos’ Bar Beach. Traditionally, the festival starts on December 7th or 8th and lasts for 21–23 days, ending on January 1st of the following year.
The Lagos Countdown was first staged in 2012. It was an effort to boost tourism and create an event akin to New Year’s celebrations in large cities like Sydney and New York.
This year’s event started on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024. In 2013, an estimated 200,000 people partied over ten days, bringing in over one billion naira for the city.
Countdown celebrations usually involve karaoke, live music performances, and fireworks. Tuface Idibia, Olamide, and Funke Akindele have performed at different countdowns, and Airtel Nigeria has previously sponsored countdowns.
3. The Experience
If you want to end the year on a spiritual high, The Experience is the place to be. The annual event began in 2006, by Paul Adefarasin. He is the lead pastor of popular Lagos church, House on the Rock.
The concert brings in gospel bigwigs from around the country and beyond. It has played host to international hotshots like Don Moen, Kirk Franklin, Nathaniel Bassey and Frank Edwards gracing the occasion. Interested? Make your way to Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos tomorrow, Friday, 6th December and have a great time.
4. Ogwashi-Uku Carnival
Thousands of people go to Delta State for one of Nigeria’s oldest and most vibrant carnivals. A funfair float parade, cultural dances, musical performances, fashion presentations, dinner parties, and quizzes. The Ogwashi-Uku Carnival also includes contests, talent searches and exhibits. These activities help advance and develop the community. They are all part of this three-day celebration, which starts on December 24 and finishes on December 26.
The festival, is organised and hosted by Anthonia Oguah. It serves as a demonstration of the Ogwashi-Uku people’s steadfast spirit and enduring ties to their ancestry. The Ogwashi-Uku Association USA Incorporated, also donates their support to the festival. Their steadfast support guarantees the Ogwashi-Uku Carnival’s survival and leaves a lasting impression for many years to come.
5. Igue/Ewere festival
In Benin, Edo State, the Igue or Ewere festival is a yearly cultural occasion. Acrobatic performances, costumed dance, and a parade to the Oba of Benin Palace are all highlights of the December carnival in Benin City. It is a seven-day event that highlights the rich culture of Benin.
According to one account, the festival date fell on the same day that Ewuare married a woman named Ewere. The event, which takes place between Christmas and New Year’s, commemorates the blessing of the country and its inhabitants by the Oba.The Igue celebration, which lasts for seven days, also pays tribute to prior Obas. The Oba must not be in the presence of any non-native person during the Igue ceremonial season.
And there you have it! Five popping places to be in Nigeria this Christmas! We hope you get to visit and have a great time at it – the Nigerian way. Have fun y’all!
