…Celebrates Afro-Brazilian heritage, Lagos Island culture
Once again, lovers of fun, culture and residents of Lagos are in for an enthralling excitement this Easter holiday.
On April 20, 2025 (Easter Sunday), the Lagos Fanti Carnival will return to the streets of Lagos with vibrant celebrations of Afro-Brazilian heritage and the unique culture of Lagos Island.
With roots stretching back to 1890, the carnival is a powerful expression of Lagos history, blending tradition and creativity.
As a major cultural event supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, in partnership with Robert Taylor Media and the Brazilian Descendants Association, the cultural event celebrates the historic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
At a well-attended press briefing held at the Brazilian Consulate on Lagos Island on Tuesday, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, described the carnival as one of Lagos’ most cherished cultural events.
She emphasised its deep historical roots in the returnee Afro-Brazilian communities, particularly of Yoruba descent, who resettled in Lagos in the late 19th century after centuries of displacement through the transatlantic slave trade.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle—it is a vibrant, living expression of our collective history. It is a celebration of the resilience, identity, and creative spirit of Afro-Brazilian returnees who blended samba rhythms, Catholic influences, and street performance into what evolved as the Fancy Carnival,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
The Commissioner highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to preserving cultural heritage through community-led initiatives and projects such as the citywide heritage plaque programme.
“As Lagos continues to grow and modernize, our cultural stories must not be lost. These plaques, embedded with QR codes, will preserve and share the stories of sites and traditions that shaped our city,” she explained.
She expressed deep appreciation to Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, for his unwavering support and visionary leadership in promoting the state’s cultural and tourism sectors.
“The revival of the Lagos Fanti Carnival is a testament to the governor’s enduring commitment to celebrating our heritage and fostering inclusive cultural development. His leadership has been instrumental in repositioning Lagos as a global cultural hub,” she noted.
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In his remarks, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio de Lacerda Santos Jr., the Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, emphasized the enduring historical and cultural ties between Brazil and Nigeria.
“Our two nations are bound by a shared history, culture, cuisine, and spirit. The Fanti Carnival serves as a powerful reminder that the bond between Brazil and Nigeria is not just historical—it holds immense promise for future collaborations across trade, education, technology, and more,” he said.
The ambassador also reflected on the enduring cultural influence of Yoruba traditions in Brazil—from cuisine to Orisha-based religions such as Candomblé. “There’s no doubt that a Brazilian can feel completely at home in Lagos,” he added.
Peter Richie of IconGeo, presented the ceremonial route map of the carnival and highlighted the importance of embedding community voices in urban renewal efforts. He also unveiled archival maps of Lagos dating back to 1924, which prominently featured the Brazilian Quarters—underscoring their historical significance.
“As we evolve this heritage celebration, we must ensure it becomes a tool for inclusion, education, and community pride,” he said.
Kola Peregrino, president, Brazilian Descendants Association, commended the government’s support and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to the conservation of Afro-Brazilian heritage in Lagos. He stressed the importance of deepening cultural awareness and safeguarding ancestral legacies.
This year’s edition promises to be a landmark event, drawing guests from across Nigeria and beyond.
Meanwhile, festivities of the carnival will unfold across three signature experiences; the Afro-Brazilian Food Showcase; a heritage art exhibition, and the highly anticipated Lagos Fanti Carnival Parade. Rooted in rich Afro-Brazilian traditions and reimagined through the lens of contemporary Lagos, the celebration brings together music, dance, fashion, and performance in a dynamic display of cultural pride and artistic expressions of the Lagos community. From Samba-inspired beats to bold fashion statements, the carnival promises to be a feast for the senses.
Also, the city’s streets will come alive with vibrant hues of colorful parades, exhilarating performances, and immersive cultural showcases as the carnival unfolds in full splendor, transforming the city into a living canvas of Afro-Brazilian heritage and the true spirit of Lagos.
The event is expected to attract over 10,000 in-person guests, more than 50,000 livestream viewers, and to generate over 2 million digital impressions across media platforms, amid an unforgettable cultural spectacle.
In addition, the Fanti Carnival stands as a vibrant expression of youth-driven creativity in Lagos as young artists, dancers, musicians, and designers are reshaping cultural traditions, breathing new life into them through fresh perspectives and contemporary flair.
This year’s celebration will highlight the dynamic fusion of heritage and innovation—honoring Afro-Brazilian roots while embracing the evolving cultural landscape of Lagos tourism.
In the lead-up to the big day, the carnival will be offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the preparations, with special coverage of the local communities as they gear up for the grand event. There will be intimate glimpses of rehearsals, costume-making, and vibrant community gatherings, all offering a rare opportunity to experience the carnival’s magic before it even hits the streets.
However, Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, permanent secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders for their dedication to reviving a significant cultural legacy. He also acknowledged the media’s continued efforts in spotlighting the Ministry’s activities and expressed optimism for wide coverage of the forthcoming carnival.
With variety, colour and much to see and enjoy, the organisers are urging the public to keep a date with culture and entertainment on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, as the carnival begins from 12:00 noon at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Old Defence Road to JK Randle Center, Onikan, Lagos.
