After its last major outing in 217 during the Lagos@50 celebrations and a modest attempt in 2023, the popular Fantasy Carnival in Lagos is set for a grand return this Sunday, April 20, 2025.
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Consulate of Brazil in Lagos, announced last week that the carnival, a vibrant cultural celebration, would be held on Easter Sunday at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
At a press briefing held at the Brazilian Consulate on Lagos Island on Tuesday, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the carnival as one of Lagos’ most cherished cultural events. She emphasised its deep historical roots in the returnee Afro-Brazilian communities, particularly of Yoruba descent, who resettled in Lagos in the late 19th century after centuries of displacement through the transatlantic slave trade.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle – it is a vibrant, living expression of our collective history,” said Benson-Awoyinka. “It is a celebration of the resilience, identity, and creative spirit of Afro-Brazilian returnees who blended samba rhythms, Catholic influences, and street performance into what evolved as the Fancy Carnival.”
The Commissioner highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to preserving cultural heritage through community-led initiatives and projects such as the citywide heritage plaque programme.
“As Lagos continues to grow and modernize, our cultural stories must not be lost. These plaques, embedded with QR codes, will preserve and share the stories of sites and traditions that shaped our city,” she explained.
Benson-Awoyinka expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support in promoting the state’s cultural and tourism sectors. “The revival of the Lagos Fanti Carnival is a testament to Mr. Governor’s enduring commitment to celebrating our heritage and fostering inclusive cultural development. His leadership has been instrumental in repositioning Lagos as a global cultural hub,” she noted.
In his remarks, the Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio del Lacerda Santos Jr., emphasised the enduring historical and cultural ties between Brazil and Nigeria.
“Our two nations are bound by a shared history, culture, cuisine, and spirit. The Fanti Carnival serves as a powerful reminder that the bond between Brazil and Nigeria is not just historical – it holds immense promise for future collaborations across trade, education, technology, and more,” he said.
The Ambassador also reflected on the enduring cultural influence of Yoruba traditions in Brazil – from cuisine to Orisha-based religions such as Candomblé. “There’s no doubt that a Brazilian can feel completely at home in Lagos,” he added.
Mr. Peter Richie of IconGeo presented the ceremonial route map of the carnival and highlighted the importance of embedding community voices in urban renewal efforts. He also unveiled archival maps of Lagos dating back to 1924, which prominently featured the Brazilian Quarters – underscoring their historical significance. “As we evolve this heritage celebration, we must ensure it becomes a tool for inclusion, education, and community pride,” he said.
Honourable (Dr.) Kola Peregrino, President of the Brazilian Descendants Association, commended the government’s support and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to the conservation of Afro-Brazilian heritage in Lagos. He stressed the importance of deepening cultural awareness and safeguarding ancestral legacies.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders for their dedication to reviving a significant cultural legacy. He also acknowledged the media’s continued efforts in spotlighting the Ministry’s activities and expressed optimism for wide coverage of the forthcoming carnival.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival 2025 promises a captivating celebration of identity, featuring parades, music, storytelling, fashion, and cuisine. It also forms part of the Ministry’s broader vision to calendarize tourism events throughout the year, positioning Lagos as a vibrant, year-round cultural destination.
As Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka concluded, “Culture is not buried in textbooks – it lives in our streets, our communities, and our celebrations. Let us raise the Lagos Fanti Carnival to its rightful place on the global cultural stage: bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.”
