The vibrant spirit of Lagos is set to light up once again as the state government announces the return of the historic Fanti Carnival, a colorful fusion of music, dance, fashion, and heritage, set for Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
EpeInsights reports that the event is organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Consulate of Brazil in Lagos.
The carnival marks a bold revival of one of Lagos’ most iconic cultural events.
With deep roots in the history of Afro-Brazilian returnees of Yoruba descent who resettled in Lagos in the 19th century, the Fanti Carnival is a celebration of resilience, identity, and creative expression.
At a press briefing held at the Brazilian Consulate on Lagos Island, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the Fanti Carnival as a “living expression of our collective history.”
She noted that the carnival evolved from the returnees’ unique blend of samba rhythms, Catholic influences, and street theatre into what became known locally as the “Fancy Carnival.”
Highlighting the Ministry’s wider efforts to preserve the state’s cultural legacy, the Commissioner revealed that Lagos is actively installing citywide heritage plaques embedded with QR codes.
These will help residents and tourists connect with the stories of historic sites and traditions, even as the city modernizes.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for championing cultural revival and tourism in the state.
“The return of the Fanti Carnival is a testament to Mr. Governor’s enduring commitment to celebrating our heritage and positioning Lagos as a global cultural hub,” she said.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio del Lacerda Santos Jr., emphasized the longstanding cultural and historical ties between Brazil and Nigeria. He pointed to the enduring presence of Yoruba traditions in Brazil from cuisine to Orisha-based religions like Candomblé as proof of their shared ancestry.
“The Fanti Carnival reminds us that the bond between our two nations is not just rooted in the past, it is a foundation for future partnerships in trade, education, technology, and culture,” the Ambassador said.
Urban planner and cultural advocate Mr. Peter Richie of IconGeo presented the ceremonial route map for the carnival and unveiled archival maps of Lagos from 1924, which highlighted the historical Brazilian Quarters.
He stressed the need to keep community voices central to cultural revitalization efforts and ensure the carnival becomes a tool for inclusion, education, and pride.
Dr. Kola Peregrino, President of the Brazilian Descendants Association, praised the government’s support and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to preserving the Afro-Brazilian legacy in Lagos.
He called for deeper cultural awareness and stronger efforts to safeguard ancestral history for future generations.
In closing, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, thanked all stakeholders and the media for their continued dedication to cultural advocacy.
He expressed optimism that the 2025 edition of the Fanti Carnival would receive wide coverage and spark renewed interest in Lagos’ cultural offerings.
The Fanti Carnival 2025 promises an electrifying experience, with parades, music, storytelling, fashion, and food that celebrate the richness of identity and the power of cultural memory.
It also forms a key part of the Ministry’s broader plan to create a year-round calendar of tourism events that elevate Lagos as a premier cultural destination.
“Culture is not buried in textbooks — it lives in our streets, our communities, and our celebrations,” Benson-Awoyinka concluded. “Let us raise the Lagos Fanti Carnival to its rightful place on the global cultural stage: bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.”
