Lagos State Revives Historic Fanti Carnival

The Lagos State Government has officially announced the return of the Fanti Carnival, a vibrant cultural festival rooted in 19th-century Afro-Brazilian heritage. The event is scheduled to hold on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island.

Unveiling the official parade route via the event’s Instagram page, organizers shared that the carnival will begin at the Remembrance Arcade and proceed through Old Defence Road, JK Randle, Military Street, Catholic Mission Street, and other key locations—signifying what they call a “takeover of the streets of Lagos Island.”

The revival was announced by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during a press briefing at the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos. She emphasized that the Fanti Carnival is a celebration of the blending of Yoruba traditions, Catholic influence, samba rhythms, and street performances—elements brought together by Afro-Brazilian returnees to create what evolved into the Fancy Carnival.

“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle—it is a vibrant, living expression of our collective history and cultural identity,” she stated.

Benson-Awoyinka credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support in reviving the carnival, noting that his leadership has helped position Lagos as a global cultural destination.

The Brazilian Consul General in Lagos, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio del Lacerda Santos Jr., also spoke at the event, highlighting the deep cultural ties between Brazil and Nigeria.

“The Fanti Carnival serves as a powerful reminder that our shared history offers a rich foundation for future collaborations—in trade, education, technology, and beyond,” he said.

During the ceremony, Mr. Peter Richie of IconGeo presented ceremonial maps of Lagos from 1924 and emphasized the importance of community-driven urban renewal.

Also present were Dr. Kola Peregrino, President of the Brazilian Descendants Association, and Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, both of whom expressed optimism about the carnival’s educational and cultural impact.

The Fanti Carnival 2025 promises a colorful celebration of music, fashion, food, parades, and storytelling, aligning with the state’s vision of building a year-round cultural tourism calendar to boost local and international engagement.