Social networks and blogs have fast become a means of sharing information and exchanging ideas. Not too long ago, I stormed into a discussion on finding a suitable name for a Manyu annual festival or Carnival. The idea sounded so plausible and refreshing. Could this be something that will bring back some social life to Mamfe town? After all, similar events are taking place in various parts of the world. We often think of the various Caribbean carnivals, Brazilian carnival, Mardi gras in New Orleans., the Cologne carnival etc. Recently, the carnival fever has captivated Nigeria, with one of the most spectacular, colorful and entertaining carnivals taking place annually in Calabar.
What then is all this carnival fever about? Are there any social, cultural and economic benefits? According to the Wikipedia, Carnivals are a season of festivities. They involve a public spectacle, celebrations, and parade replete with concerts, parading troupes and many events for children. Carnival goers dress up in fine costumes, masquerades and often led by music and dancing lasting for one or many days.
Besides the local economy, there are three main benefits of any carnival – social, cultural and economic. For many people and communities, a carnival is a social way of life which revolves around carnival related events throughout the year as part of the preparations. For some communities, it is estimated that hundreds of people will be involved in preparation activities, including clubs and social groups. These groups take part in fundraising, building of carnival entries, organizing and attending social events. Through these activities, men and women of all ages and backgrounds learn and develop team work and social skills with experts in fields such as costume design, carpentry, electrical work, performance arts, accounting, public speaking etc.
Carnivals do bring out the best in showcasing rich cultural traditions. Since a carnival is essentially a community bottom up event, it glues communities together. Various dance groups and artist also have the opportunity to entertain and expose their unique talents and creativities to a wider audience. The Abuja carnival, claimed as the mother of all carnivals was the catalyst that brought many people together in an atmosphere of harmony and joy in celebration of each other and where cultural diversity and unity was extolled.
The economic impact of a carnival can be seen from sales that are generated from tickets, restaurants, hotels, sales of crafts, private parties and other services with indirect yields from costume design, hairdressing, and transportation. Indeed, carnivals have shown to be a vital factor for businesses in the hospitality and logistics industry.
There is no doubt; the biggest driver of any carnival to a community is economic empowerment through direct infusion of capital by visitors. A Manyu carnival will therefore present a perfect platform from brand visibility for consumer and market awareness. Besides including and promoting aspects of the Manyu culture, it strengthens the capacity of our local communities across the division to participate in an economically beneficial way. This will certainly bring back the glory days of Mamfe as the pride of Southwest with tourist and traders alike flocking to town for many days. The eventual tarring of the Mamfe Ekok corridor and Mamfe – Bamenda will hence facilitate and ease mobility.
