Lagos Revives Fanti Carnival: A Celebration of Afro-Brazilian Heritage
Photo Credit: Fanti Carnival Facebook
The Lagos State Government has officially announced the return of the historic Fanti Carnival, a vibrant cultural celebration that will take place on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island.
This revival marks a major step in preserving and promoting the city’s rich Afro-Brazilian history and heritage.
Parade Route Unveiled
According to a post shared on the carnival’s official Instagram page, the parade procession will begin at Remembrance Arcade, then move through Old Defence Road, JK Randle, Military Street, and Catholic Mission Street, among other key routes on Lagos Island.
Organisers described the parade as “a takeover of the streets of Lagos Island,” promising colour, excitement, music, and cultural pride on every corner.
Celebrating Afro-Brazilian Roots and Lagos Culture
During a press briefing at the Brazilian Consulate, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the Fanti Carnival is a celebration of Lagos’s Afro-Brazilian returnee communities from the 19th century.
She explained that the carnival blends Yoruba heritage, samba rhythms, Catholic traditions, and street performances—elements that define the unique Fancy Carnival style.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle—it is a vibrant, living expression of our collective history,” she said.
“It celebrates the resilience, identity, and creative spirit of Afro-Brazilian returnees.”
The Commissioner also praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support in promoting Lagos’s cultural heritage. She called the carnival’s return “a testament to the Governor’s enduring commitment to celebrating our heritage and fostering inclusive cultural development.”
Strengthening Brazil-Nigeria Cultural Ties
In his remarks, the Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio del Lacerda Santos Jr., highlighted the deep connections between Brazil and Nigeria.
“Our two nations are bound by a shared history, culture, cuisine, and spirit,” he noted.
“The Fanti Carnival is a powerful reminder of our cultural bond and the future collaborations we can build across trade, education, and technology.”
Call for Community Participation
Urban development expert, Mr. Peter Richie of IconGeo, presented a ceremonial map of the carnival route, including historical maps of Lagos from 1924. He encouraged greater community involvement in cultural and city planning efforts.
Other key stakeholders like Dr. Kola Peregrino, President of the Brazilian Descendants Association, and Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, also expressed hope in the carnival’s educational and cultural impact.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than just a celebration—it’s a living story of our Afro-Brazilian roots, our culture, and the resilience of a people who turned history into vibrant art. It’s a homecoming of heritage, music, and unity.” — Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
What to Expect at Fanti Carnival 2025
The revived Fanti Carnival 2025 promises an unforgettable experience filled with:
Street parades and live music
Colourful fashion and traditional costumes
Delicious local and Brazilian-inspired foods
African storytelling and performance art
It is part of the Lagos State Government’s mission to create a year-round cultural tourism calendar, turning Lagos into a global destination for heritage tourism.
The return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival is not just a festival—it’s a call to reconnect with history, culture, and identity. It celebrates how far Lagos has come while spotlighting the power of community, art, and tradition.
Nigerians and tourists alike are encouraged to join the colorful streets this Easter and witness history brought back to life.
