The streets of Lagos Island buzzed with excitement on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, as the fabulous Lagos Fanti Carnival made a spectacular comeback, honoring the vibrant Afro-Brazilian heritage that is such a big part of the city’s tapestry. With the theme “Heritage and Unity,” this year’s celebration attracted thousands of joyful onlookers, including esteemed dignitaries, colorful cultural troupes, and international visitors, turning Lagos into a sparkling spectacle of music, dance, and rich tradition.
This incredible event was organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in partnership with the Brazilian Consulate and the Brazilian Descendants Association. It paid a heartfelt tribute to the Aguda people—those resilient Afro-Brazilian returnees who, after the abolition of slavery in the 19th century, brought back mesmerizing samba rhythms, Catholic influences, and the soulful essence of Yoruba spirituality. What a day to celebrate heritage and togetherness!
The Fanti Carnival has a rich history dating back to 1890. This spectacular event began when freed slaves of Yoruba descent returned from Brazil and made their homes in Lagos Island communities such as Isale-Eko, Brazilian Campos, and Lafiaji. These returnees brought with them a vibrant cultural heritage that beautifully blended their Brazilian experiences with local traditions, ultimately giving rise to the "Fancy Carnival," which paved the way for the lively Fanti Carnival we celebrate today. At a recent pre-event press briefing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, spoke passionately about the carnival’s importance: “The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle—it is a vibrant, living expression of our collective history. It celebrates the resilience, identity, and creative spirit of Afro-Brazilian returnees.”
The carnival’s highlight was the ceremonial parade, which kicked off at King’s College and wound through historic routes like Catholic Mission Street before culminating at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square. Seven key communities showcased their vibrant regalia and performances: Isale-Eko Woro (green and white) Olowogbowo Fancy (yellow and white) Okoo-Faji (blue, red, and white) Lafiaji (bold red and white) Okepopo (green and white) Epetedo United Youth Movement (blue and white) Brazilian Campos Carreta (green and yellow, honoring ancestral ties) 4. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside his wife and other dignitaries, officially opened the event, while celebrities like Adekunle Gold and Desmond Elliot added star power to the festivities
A Symbol of Nigeria-Brazil Cultural Ties Ambassador Manuel Innocencio de Lacerda Santos Jr., Brazil’s Consul General in Lagos, highlighted the enduring connection between the two nations: “The Fanti Carnival reminds us that the bond between Brazil and Nigeria is not just historical—it holds promise for future collaborations in trade, education, and culture.”With over 10,000 attendees and 2 million digital impressions, the 2025 Fanti Carnival solidified its place as one of West Africa’s premier cultural events. The Lagos State Government aims to make it an annual fixture, boosting tourism and preserving the city’s multicultural legacy 110. As Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka declared: “Culture is not buried in textbooks—it lives in our streets, our communities, and our celebrations.”
Uphorial.
