The organisers of Carnival Calabar have announced its participation at the ongoing Afrexim CANEX in Algeria, which commenced on Tuesday, October 15 and would end Saturday, October 19, 2024.
  
This announcement was made by the Chairman of the Carnival Commission Gabe Onah during the first Carnival Calabar Dry Run 2024 held last Sunday. Onah said: “It is on this note that I announce that this will now become Afreximbank Carnival Calabar.”
  
Speaking further, Onah said; “CANEX WEEKEND is acronym for Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX). It is actually a Travel, Trade and Creative sector exhibition event promoted by the Afreximbank to harness the opportunities in the creative and cultural industries sector. This is to engage our future generation meaningfully as one of the quick wins to activate community action. It is therefore a big stage for our carnival revellers to perform for the needed visibility for this great product of our heritage, Carnival Calabar – Africa’s biggest street party. We are hopeful that this performance is on a global stage in recognition of our renowned global product.”
  
The first Carnival Calabar Dry Run was flagged off by the Governor of the state who was represented by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Honourable Elbert Ayambem. He was joined by band leaders and some members of the State Executive Council and the newly posted Commissioner of Police.

As its tradition, the Carnival season started with the first dry run when all bands tried the Carnival route. Some non-competing bands like the University of Calabar band joined in the fun. Some tourists and tour operators were in town to watch the dry run.