The Plateau Cultural Carnival returns for its third annual celebration, bringing together the rich tapestry of traditions, music, and cultural heritage that define Plateau State. From December 12th to 14th, 2025, Jos will transform into a vibrant showcase of unity, creativity, and cultural pride under the theme “Sounds of Plateau.”
At a press conference held this morning at the NUJ Secretariat in Jos, Debra Jalmet, CEO of Plateau Cultural Carnival, announced details of this year’s carnival, promising the most ambitious celebration yet a testament to Plateau’s position as a beacon of peace, culture, and diversity in Nigeria.
The Plateau Cultural Carnival is more than just a festival; it’s a movement to preserve, celebrate, and promote the unique cultural identity of our people. This three-day annual celebration serves multiple vital purposes:
Cultural Preservation:In an increasingly globalized world, the carnival creates a platform where traditional dances, languages, arts, and values are not just remembered but actively celebrated and passed down to younger generations.
Economic Empowerment: According to Jalmat, the carnival creates tangible opportunities for local creatives, artisans, food vendors, and businesses to showcase their talents and generate income.
Tourism Promotion: By highlighting Plateau’s natural beauty and cultural richness, the carnival positions the state as a premier destination for cultural tourism in Nigeria and beyond.
Unity and Peace:“Through celebration of our diversity, we strengthen the bonds that unite us as a people and project Plateau as a home of peace and harmony,” Jalmat emphasized during the press briefing.
What to Expect: Three Days of Cultural Immersion
Day 1 – Friday, December 12th: Celebrity Tour & Street Concert
The carnival kicks off with a Celebrity City Tour from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring prominent Nollywood personalities including Kepy Ekpenyong Bassey-Inyang, Fred Amata, Gloria Young, Tony Umez, Kalu Ikeagwu, Daniel Ikechukwu Obiora, and Chucks Chyke. These guests will explore iconic tourist locations across Plateau State, generating media visibility and showcasing our state’s natural beauty to a wider audience.
As evening falls, the energy shifts to the Street Concert at Fwavwei Junction (4:00 PM). This electrifying event transforms the city into a cultural playground where tradition meets modern rhythm. Expect top artists, DJs, dancers, colorful lights, and brand activations creating an unforgettable fusion of music, culture, and community energy. The Street Concert embodies the youthful spirit of Plateau and offers partners massive visibility while giving the public a truly memorable experience.
Day 2 – Saturday, December 13th: The Heart of Culture
Saturday brings the Cultural Day Parade, the beating heart of the carnival. Starting at 4:00 PM from Secretariat Junction to Jos Museum, this colorful procession features traditional dance troupes, drummers, flutists, indigenous costumes, and floats representing different ethnic groups. With celebrity participation and extensive media coverage, this parade celebrates our motto of unity in diversity through spectacular cultural displays.
The day also includes the Opening Ceremony at Jos Museum (12:00 noon), featuring an artistic showcase where artisans, painters, sculptors, and designers present handcrafted arts, traditional crafts, cultural costumes, and contemporary creative works. This exhibition provides both sales opportunities and international visibility for local creatives.
Food lovers will delight in our Cultural Food Experience, celebrating Plateau’s unique culinary traditions through local delicacies, live cooking stations, cultural food tasting, and culinary storytelling. This promotes our cultural identity through the universal language of food and hospitality.
A special highlight is the Schools Cultural Competition, an educational program involving selected schools competing in cultural dance, drama presentation, costume showcase, exhibition displays, secondary school cultural compilation, and the Miss Culture beauty pageant. The day also features the Suga Warrior Bounty & Fruit Munch games, all designed to shape young minds to value and preserve our heritage.
The day concludes with a powerful Cultural Stage Play a live performance depicting Plateau’s cultural resilience, history, and unity, delivered by trained actors and community performers.
Day 3 – Sunday, December 14th: Grand Finale
The carnival reaches its crescendo with the Closing Celebration and Award Night at Usiju World Event Center (3:00 PM). This exclusive gala recognizes cultural contributors, leaders, and partners through various award categories including Carnival Ambassadors, Partner Recognition Awards, and Contributions to Cultural Development. The evening also features the grand final of the Miss Culture Pageant, along with live music, dance, and celebration marking the end of this year’s festivities.
The Plateau Cultural Carnival 2025 is made possible through the support of our esteemed partners, including the Plateau State Government, Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Hospitality, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, PIDAN, Integrated Dairies Limited (FarmFresh), Expert Professionals and Business Women Network International (EPBWNI), National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nurture the Children International, The Mayor of Housing, Valgee Transport Services, and TinCity Metro. Security agencies are also involved to ensure a safe, well-coordinated, and smooth event.
The Plateau Cultural Carnival 2025 stands as a beacon of unity, creativity, and cultural pride. “As we count down to December 12th through 14th, we invite all Plateau indigenous people and citizens indeed, all lovers of culture and heritage to join us in this laudable celebration,” Jalmet stated in her closing remarks.
This is more than an event; it’s a statement about who we are as a people, what we value, and the legacy we’re building for future generations. Come experience the sounds, colors, tastes, and spirit of Plateau. Come celebrate with us.
For more information, partnership inquiries, or media coverage requests, please contact the Plateau Cultural Carnival organizing committee.
