All is now set for the 2015 Calabar Carnival as more foreign contingents continue to troop into Cross River State to take part in the biggest street party in Africa.

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

The leader of the 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, “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, the 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.

In photos: Cross River Gov Ayade leads other bikers at Calabar carnival