Edo Carnival Celebration Brings Culture, Tradition, Creativity into Focus

‎By calista Oyeoba / posted July 6, 2025
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‎The Edo Carnival 2025, fondly called “Shinefest” is set to bring the state’s rich culture and tradition into a medley of creativity and tourism excitement as the festivities has kicked off with the Dreamalive Talent Quest, a musical talent hunt drawing young and promising talents from the state’s three senatorial zones.

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The festival offers two connected phases building up the excitement all the way to the D-day in December 27. The experience will unplug with The Dreamalive Talent Quest launch on 1st November, aims to discover creative talents across three senatorial zones and offering young artists a platform to showcase their talent precursor to performing at the grand finale.

To bolster the spirit, the Shine Beer Barn and Christmas Grotto will open on December 14, to create a convivial central location in Benin City for social activities like entertainment, drinks, light entertainment and festivities. This focus venue is specially designed to serenade visitors and set the mood, attracting early birds of tourists.

The programme of activities released by the organizers disclosed that the festival will be week-long, from December 21 to 27. It will commence with a colorful Heritage Carnival held across three yet-to-be-announced locations, encompassing masquerade processions, traditional wrestling, musical dramas, and age-grade dance performances on the streets with rhythm and tradition, highlighting the cultural heritage of the Edo people.

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Thereafter, from 23 December, the activities will move to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, for control and oversight towards the grand Cultural Fiesta and Food Festival. All 18 local government areas (LGas) are expected to come together in a panoply emphasizing diversity and also, showcasing rich cuisine as food lovers and judges will review cooking competitions, drinking and palm wine tasting treats.

On Christmas Eve, there will be a ‘Shine Boat Regatta’ on the Ogba River or other safe water body in Edo South, featuring beautiful river crafts, decorated boats, traditional water rite, marine-themed fashion shows and awards for the Boat adjudged the most creative.

On Christmas Day, the state’s famed Igun Street will become the focus of attention as there will a art and craft exhibition, with the theme: “Through the Eyes of Edo,” showcasing the creative expression of the state’s rich culture through works of local artisans, sculptors, painters and photographers. The surreal moment will enable art lovers and visitors to explore the whole gamut of cultural heritage that marked the state’s legendary bronze age era gone by.

On December 26, the runway will be lit with a fashion and beauty contest dubbed ‘Miss ShineFest’. The show will spotlight fashion, style and femininity. During the evening, 18 profiled contestants will compete in traditional and evening wear, while ten Edo-based designers will unveil collections inspired by “Ancestral Futurism,” highlighting a fusion of heritage and innovation on the runway. More than 40 models will grace the stage in what organizers promise will be a robust evening that will empowerment participants and leave beautiful memories with visitors.

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On 27 December, the grand finale of Shinefest will draw the curtain on the weeklong activities with the Grand Shine Concert, featuring pop mucis performances by Shalipopi and HammerBoi, together with the finalists from the Dreamalive Talent Quest. Fireworks lit up the sky, and the state of the art LED stage was a feast for the eyes. The night concluded with the crowning of Miss Shinefest, bringing the weeklong celebration to a glittering end.
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‎Overall, the Shinefest is a bold statement about Edo’s identity, celebrating it’s past, present and future, acting as a strong cord of unity to bring the people together in unique blend of culture and tradition.

NOTE: Calista is a Trainee-journalist who contributes regularly to DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communication, Ekocity Polytechnic, Lagos