Lagos Island burst into life on Sunday as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, led the city in celebrating the return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival, a vibrant showcase of Afro-Brazilian heritage and cultural pride.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival, rooted in the 19th-century history of Afro-Brazilian returnees, returned with flair and purpose, celebrating Lagos’ multicultural legacy through colorful costumes, traditional music, and high-energy performances. Known as one of the most iconic cultural festivals in Nigeria, the carnival has evolved into a symbol of unity and identity.
This year’s edition was organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, in collaboration with the Brazilian Descendants Association. It brought together dozens of community groups, each representing different cultures, languages, and histories with their unique displays of dance, dress, and artistry.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets, cheering as dancers, drummers, masquerades, and floats brought movement and melody to the city’s historic core.
They were joined by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi Hamzat, along with a host of dignitaries, cultural leaders, and public officials at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, the starting point of the grand cultural parade.
The festival wasn’t short on star power also as popular Afrobeats artist, Adekunle Gold, made a surprise appearance, while DJ Spinall kept the crowd energised with a pulsating set.
The revival of the Fanti Carnival is more than a festive occasion, it’s a cultural reclamation. By highlighting the contributions of Afro-Brazilian communities to the development of Lagos, the event aims to inspire younger generations and strengthen the city’s identity.
According to the Lagos State Government, the carnival also plays a role in boosting tourism and promoting the creative economy.