SPEND THIS WEEKEND AT THE LAGOS STREET CARNIVAL
This weekend promises to be replete with excitement as one of the most anticipated carnival in Nigeria is being celebrated! That is the Lagos Street carnival. It holds on May 2nd, a day after the celebration of Mayday by the Nigerian Labour workforce. The carnival is usually held on Esther Monday, however, the date was moved because of elections in Nigeria.
In its 6th edition, the Lagos carnival has become a rallying point for all Lagosians both at home and abroad to gather and celebrate the heritage of the state. Even tourists from different parts of the world don’t want to miss the fun, pomp and pageantry that the carnival has to offer. They will troop-in from far and nigh in their numbers for a live-experience of carnival Lagos.
The crowd is massive at Tafawa Balewa Square where the grand finale of the carnival will be held that finding any single seat may be difficult. Vendors will have a field day selling their wares; the colourful dancers twisting and turning will dish out deft dance steps while VIPs and tourists who will witness the energy-sapping carnival will no doubt appreciate the revellers clapping and jumping. The atmosphere will be generally pulsating and lively. You don’t want to miss this carnival!
So, if you really want to have a very outstanding and memorable weekend and worker’s day, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 Online Hotel Booking Portal recommends the Lagos carnival. This carnival actually present the best of Lasgidy!
What then should you look out for at the carnival?
THE CHILDREN/ADULT CARNIVAL
The carnival is one of the event of the Lagos Black Heritage Festival. Jovago.com can say categorically that the carnival is the most important event of the Black heritage week. That is perhaps why the carnival is the event that rounds-off the festival. The carnival train featuring Children and Adult bands representing different communities in the six educational district of Lagos namely Agege, Ikeja, Ikoyi, Yaba, Agboju and Osodi will participate in the festivities. The revellers will adorn spectacular and resplendent attires. They will dance to music blaring from speakers. Each of the bands will have a particular truck blaring music assigned to them. Throughout the street carnival from Awolowo, to Campos Square and to TBS (for adults, the route for children is different), judges will observe the bands and will grade them accordingly. This is just to let you know that they are not participating for fun. There will be a reward for the best band. The bands will possibly be trailed all the way to TBS by tourists and enthusiasts that will like to take pictures with the dancers while some interested visitors will join the dancing. This is just a snippet of the delight to expect when you show up at the carnival. Just get prepared on May 2nd to celebrate Lagos to the fullest.
ARTISTE PERFORMANCE
A-list artiste often headline this event. Hence, if you want to see your favourite Nigerian artiste, the Lagos carnival is the place to be this weekend. Last year, the Double Wahala crooner, Oritse Femi was the guest artiste. His introduction to the crowd caused a stir as his fans happily danced and sang-along to his song. So, if you want to see your favourite artiste, mark May 2nd on your organiser. It may be M.I, Kiss Daniel, WizKid, Davido, Mavin Crew, P-Square, or any other Nigerian act headlining the event this year, Jovago.com doesn’t know. However, we can guaranteed you that a popular artiste would definitely perform at the event on Saturday.
FOOD, DRINKS AND LAGOS HOSPITALITY
What do you want to eat or drink during the carnival? Vendors will be at strategic points where you can buy carnival souvenairs, food and drinks. This is when you get the best of Lagos hospitality. But, this hospitality is not free because you must pay for every services offered. This doesn’t diminish the sweet time you would have visiting the carnival.
However, on the day of the carnival, please exercise the following restraints:
- Don’t go alone
You can go to the carnival with friends, loved ones or your children. But, don’t go alone!
- Park your car at a respectable distance
Don’t attempt to drive your car to TBS because it would be very difficult for you to leave. There would be uncountable cars on that day from official to private cars. So, everywhere would be congested. It is advisable to even take public transport to TBS rather than driving to the carnival. But if you can’t leave your car at home, please park at a respectable distance!
- Don’t wait till the end
The carnival usually runs into the evening. Therefore, there is a possibility that when you wait till the end everybody would pour-out at the same time leading to very horrible traffic. Even at that late hour, you are liable to being attacked. Hence, don’t wait till the end if you don’t want to regret attending the carnival.
