CARNIRIV
Every December, the week before Christmas, Port Harcourt, Nigeria hosts a week long carnival, gathering participants from all over the country.
Consisting of street carnivals, tribal dancing competitions, an aquatic fiesta, wrestling bouts and many concerts, CarniRiv is a colourful and energetic event with Nigerians celebrating their cultural heritage.
For the street parade each state displays its own float that celebrates the regions traditions, culture, industry. The Rivers State float (below) celebrates their shrimp fishing industry.
Rhythm of the Tribes
Dance is an integral part of Nigerian social life and culture, this is shown by the Rhythm of the Tribes competition at CarniRiv. Each state is represented by its own dance troupe, normally with the leader of the group wearing a mask, and their identity is kept secret, even within their own dance troupe. This person will take on the spirit of one of their ancestors, or perhaps represent good and evil spirits within the community, and some will combine human and animal to unite man with his natural environment. They will dance with abandon, full of energy and strength, to their own rhythm irrespective of the beat.
Aquatic Fiesta
Each of the states represented at the Carnival have a team taking part in the Aquatic Fiesta. It is extremely competitive with the judging panel marking for oarsmanship, boat construction, performance, presentation and speed.
