All is now set for the 2015 rebranded Carnival Calabar, as more foreign contingents have continued to troop into the state to take part in the biggest street party in Africa.

Among the foreign countries   received at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, were contingents from Zimbabwe, Italy and Kenya.

Leader of Historical Group of Flag Twirlers of Colinado-Italy, Mr. Vincenzo Orlandini, said that although it was their first time in Carnival Calabar, they hope to win the admiration of watchers so as to make the list of invited bands for next year.

“When we perform, we will be loved by Cross Riverians and indeed Nigerians and we hope to make the list of invited guests next year, he said”.

On what they intend to showcase, Orlandini disclosed that his contingents are flag manipulators, who also play tambourine and use historical costumes, adding that, “Cross River and Nigeria, should focus more on tourism, tourism is the biggest industry in the world and we want Cross River to remain the leading state in tourism in West Africa.”

On his part, leader of Bomas of Kenya, Mr. Julius Nyamu Makindu, hinted that they are aerobics traditional dancers from different ethnic groups in Kenya and are glad to be part of Carnival Calabar for the first time. “We hope to perform in the way we have been performing in other countries so as to attract more tourists into Kenya.”

Both groups took time to dance to the rhythm of the Cross River State Steel Band at the airport arrival hall, amidst the chanting of ‘Carnival Calabar! Carnival Calabar!!

At the time of filing this report, contingents from France and Spain were still being expected.