Lagos Reawakens Afro-Brazilian Heritage with Spectacular Return of Fanti Carnival

Lagos Reawakens Afro-Brazilian Heritage with Spectacular Return of Fanti Carnival

Lagos Island burst into a spectacle of colour, music, and heritage on Easter Sunday as the iconic Fanti Carnival made a grand return, celebrating the city’s deep Afro-Brazilian roots and rich multicultural legacy.

The event, held at the historic Remembrance Arcade, drew an enthusiastic crowd of residents, tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries. With the theme “Heritage and Unity,” this year’s carnival highlighted the importance of cultural preservation and community cohesion in the state.

Supported by the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos Island, the carnival marked a significant cultural renaissance, reviving the traditions brought back by 19th-century Afro-Brazilian returnees—freed slaves who reintroduced samba, flamboyant costumes, and carnival festivities to Lagos.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting grassroots cultural expressions that promote tourism, social harmony, and economic activity.

“This is more than a festival; it is a celebration of our identity—our shared history and the diversity that unites us,” the Governor said.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the carnival’s return as a powerful statement of resilience and cultural pride.

“The Fanti Carnival is a living tribute to our Afro-Brazilian heritage. It showcases the beauty, strength, and creativity that define us as Lagosians. The Ministry is dedicated to supporting initiatives that reinforce our cultural fabric and boost tourism,” she noted.

The colourful procession began at Remembrance Arcade and moved through key landmarks including Old Defence Road, TBS Arena, Onikan Roundabout, and Catholic Mission Street. It featured energetic performances by Afro-Brazilian descendants in elaborate regalia, expressing stories of migration, resilience, and cultural fusion through music and dance.

With strong institutional backing, the revitalized Fanti Carnival is poised to reclaim its place as a premier cultural event in Lagos, inspiring pride in history while serving as a vibrant platform for unity, education, and sustainable development.