Edo Carnival will return to Benin City in December for its second edition, expanding to a two-week programme of cultural parades, music, food, fashion and arts.

The 2026 edition, themed “The Spirit of Edo,” will run from Dec. 13 to 26, with the carnival village at Garrick Memorial on Ekehuan Road.
The 14-day programme will include cultural performances and parades, music concerts, fashion events, food showcases, arts and crafts exhibitions, a trade fair and a band competition.

Organisers say musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, dancers, visual artists and other creative professionals from Nigeria and the diaspora are expected to take part.

The Edo State Government unveiled plans for this year’s carnival at a press conference in Lagos earlier this month.
Emmanuel Okoebor, chairman of the carnival’s Inter-Ministerial Planning Committee and Edo State Commissioner for Finance, said the event was intended to showcase the state’s cultural heritage and strengthen Benin City’s profile as a cultural tourism destination.

He said organisers wanted to build a carnival that reflected Edo identity while creating economic, cultural and social benefits.
The inaugural carnival ran for one week, from Dec. 21 to 27, 2025.

Okoebor said the state government expected this year’s event to generate business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, retailers and other local businesses by attracting visitors and partners from within and outside Nigeria.

Police say security arrangements are being prepared ahead of the carnival. Edo State police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said officers had carried out a security assessment and that a control centre would be established at the carnival venue, with additional security planned at major entry points into the state.

Benin City is known for its royal heritage, bronze artistry and traditional festivals, including the annual Igue Festival.