Edo Carnival 2025 celebration to showcase rich heritage and modern flair with music, fashion, art, and cultural showcases from December 21 to 27 in Benin City

Edo State is preparing for an unforgettable end-of-year spectacle with Edo Carnival 2025, themed “Illuminating Heritage, Celebrating Today.”

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This vibrant celebration of Edo’s cultural identity and modern creativity, organised by Peak Rendezvous Global Limited and the Office of the Special Adviser on Protocol to the Edo State Governor, is poised to become one of Nigeria’s premier cultural festivals.

The carnival will unfold in two phases, starting with a pre-festival build-up in November. The Dreamalive Talent Quest kicks off on November 1, scouting young musical talents from across Edo’s three senatorial zones.

Finalists will get the opportunity to perform at the grand Shine Concert in December.

On December 14, the Shine Beer Barn and Christmas Grotto opens in Benin City, serving as a lively venue for beer tastings, comedy nights, and holiday festivities to warm up the crowd ahead of the main event.

From December 21 to 27, Edo State will come alive with colour, music, dance, and cultural pageantry.

The festival week opens with a Heritage Carnival held across three locations, bringing together masquerades, traditional wrestling, musical theatre, and age-grade dances that celebrate the diversity of the state’s ethnic communities.

On December 23, the spotlight shifts to Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City for the *Cultural Fiesta and Food Festival.

All 18 local government areas will participate in a grand showcase of indigenous cuisine, cooking contests, palm wine tastings, and vibrant parades.

December 24 introduces a unique aquatic celebration, the Shine Boat Regatta, to be held on the Ogba River or a scenic Edo South water body.

Guests will enjoy colourful boat displays, traditional water rituals, marine-inspired fashion, and awards for creativity.

Edo Carnival 2025 is more than a festival — it’s a bold statement of who we are as a people.

On Christmas Day, the focus moves to the iconic Igun Street for an exhibition titled “Through the Eyes of Edo.”

Local artisans, sculptors, and photographers will display their work, paying tribute to Edo’s legendary bronze casting tradition through immersive storytelling and hands-on art experiences.

December 26 marks the elegant Miss Shinefest Beauty and Fashion Night.

Eighteen contestants will compete in traditional and evening wear, while ten Edo-based designers unveil their latest collections inspired by “Ancestral Futurism.”

Over 40 models will bring the fusion of heritage and innovation to life on the runway.

The week-long celebration wraps up in grand style on December 27 with the Shine Concert.

Taking place in Benin City, the concert will feature performances by Shalipopi, HammerBoi, and finalists from the Dreamalive Talent Quest.

A dazzling LED stage, fireworks, celebrity guests, and the crowning of Miss Shinefest promise to bring the event to a brilliant close.

“Edo Carnival 2025 is more than a festival — it’s a bold statement of who we are as a people,” an organiser shared. “It celebrates everything that makes Edo special: our culture, our talent, and our creative future.”

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With its blend of history, entertainment, and community pride, Edo Carnival 2025 SHINEfest is set to light up the calendar as a must-experience cultural landmark.