LAGOS SET FOR COLOURFUL 2026 FANTI CARNIVAL TO CELEBRATE AFRO-BRAZILIAN HERITAGE, CULTURE

By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans for the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival, positioning the annual cultural festival as a major platform for promoting heritage, tourism, and creative expression in the state.

‎The announcement was made on Tuesday during a press conference hosted by the Brazilian Descendants Association in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, at Amah Studios, Eleganza House, Lagos Island.

‎The event provided insights into this year’s edition of the carnival, themed “A Homecoming of Heritage,”which seeks to celebrate the enduring cultural ties between West Africa and Brazil while showcasing the historic communities of Lagos Island.

‎Speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the carnival as one of the oldest cultural traditions on Lagos Island and a symbol of the deep historical connection between Lagos and Brazil.

‎She explained that the festival dates back to the 19th century, when Afro-Brazilian returnees, popularly known as the Aguda, settled in Lagos and introduced cultural elements that blended with indigenous Yoruba traditions.

‎According to her, the carnival remains a vital tool for preserving cultural heritage while boosting tourism and economic activity within local communities.

‎“Fanti is part of the heritage of Lagos. It reflects our shared history as a melting point of cultures. What people will experience is a creative interpretation by young people of traditions passed down through generations,” she said.

‎The Commissioner added that the festival is largely driven by youths, with strong community participation in areas such as costume design, tailoring, music, and performance arts.

‎She noted that the Lagos State Government is committed to expanding the carnival, making it bigger and more inclusive, while positioning it as a key Easter celebration in the state.

‎The 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival is scheduled to hold on April 6, 2026 (Easter Monday) at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, where residents, tourists, and cultural groups are expected to converge for a vibrant showcase of music, costumes, and street performances.

‎Project Director of the Lagos Fanti Carnival, Miss Bolaji Animashaun, highlighted the historical evolution of the festival, noting that it originated from festive traditions introduced by Afro-Brazilian returnees in the 1800s.

‎She explained that the name “Fanti” is derived from the Portuguese word Fantasia, meaning fantasy, reflecting the elaborate costumes, masks, and headgear worn during the celebration.

‎Animashaun added that the carnival has grown into a major cultural event that reflects the identity and social life of Lagos Island communities.

‎She disclosed that this year’s edition will feature organised carnival troupes from historic districts such as Campos, Lafiaji, Olowogbowo, Isale-Eko, Okoo-Faji, Epetedo, and Okepopo, all of which will present choreographed parades, brass band music, and cultural dances.

‎The festival will also include a range of activities such as a street carnival procession, heritage exhibition, Afro-Brazilian Economic Summit, and a closing concert featuring live musical performances.

‎Music, a central element of the celebration, is expected to reflect the long-standing fusion of Brazilian samba rhythms and European brass band influences, which historically contributed to the development of highlife music in West Africa.

‎Organisers stated that the carnival continues to attract tourists, historians, and culture enthusiasts, while strengthening community bonds as families and neighbourhood groups prepare months in advance.

‎They added that the event provides a unique opportunity to showcase Lagos as a hub of art, history, and cultural diversity on both local and international stages.

‎With preparations now in the final stages, the Lagos State Government expressed optimism that the 2026 edition will deliver an even bigger and more vibrant cultural experience, reaffirming Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s leading centre for tourism and creative arts.

‎Residents and visitors have been encouraged to attend, as the festival promises a rich celebration of history, identity, music, and cultural pride.