By Dotun Ibiwoye

ONE of the most salient things to notice in most streets in Lagos is the banner advertising the street carnivals coming up during this Yuletide season. Most of the carnival are held between the last week of December and first week of January.

Though the street carnivals have become an annual occurrence in the last two decades it has never been so popular and ubiquitous as it is now.

Major streets that have made the carnival an annual ritual include among others: Broad street, Allen Avenue, Ogunlana Drive, Adeniran Ogunsanya.

Suburbs such like Mushin, Ajegunle, Isolo, Ojo, Ikorodu to mention a few have begun to toe the same path in organising street carnivals.

Aside the usual fun experienced during the carnivals which usually comes up during the yuletide season, the event affords traders and printers (who print T shirts) the opportunity to make brisk money.

The carnival attracts spectators from far and near asb they come to watch dancers, performers, and extravagant costumes at these street carnivals. Also, it also gives room for upcoming musical artistes to showcase their talents and advertise themselves for music promoters. Vehicular movement become restricted within the areas where the carnival holds as revellers displayed varied creative designs and colourful costumes with a large number of beautiful people.

Besides, there is always an unprecedented influx of Nigeria from the diaspora who come for this ceremonial occasion.

For a state like Lagos that has over 21 million residents, it is usual to see people and the event gives participants the opportunity to unwind and have fun in a secured environment.

There is no need for costume in street carnival because it is not as lively as the larger carnivals.

The attendees always witness a stunning street parade that attracts people from different parts of the country and diaspora , from a wide variety of communities and cultural groups. It also provides a great opportunity to pick up local handicrafts and souvenirs as vendors will have set up stalls to showcase their wares and definitely be smiling home to the bank the next day.