LAGOS GOVT REVIVES CULTURAL HERITAGE WITH RETURN OF FANTI CARNIVAL 2025
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The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos, has officially announced the return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival. This colorful cultural event is set to take place on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Remembrance Arcade in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Speaking during a well-attended press conference at the Brazilian Consulate on Lagos Island, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the Fanti Carnival as one of the state’s most treasured cultural festivals. She highlighted its strong historical connection to the Afro-Brazilian returnee communities, especially those of Yoruba origin, who came back to Lagos in the late 19th century after centuries of displacement caused by 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 and visionary leadership 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, praised the Lagos State Government for its continued support and reaffirmed the Association’s dedication to preserving Afro-Brazilian heritage in Lagos. He highlighted the need to strengthen cultural awareness and protect ancestral traditions.
In his closing address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, expressed appreciation to all dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders for their commitment to restoring an important cultural tradition. He also acknowledged the vital role of the media in promoting the Ministry’s initiatives and shared his hope for extensive coverage of the upcoming carnival.
The 2025 Lagos Fanti Carnival is set to be a vibrant celebration of cultural identity, showcasing parades, music, storytelling, fashion, and traditional cuisine. It is also part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to schedule tourism events year-round, positioning Lagos as a dynamic cultural hub throughout the calendar.
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.”
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