Brazil’s 2025 Rio Carnival celebrates Yoruba heritage with Orisa chants and themes, strengthening ties between Nigeria and Brazil
The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has praised Brazil for its vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture during the 2025 Rio de Janeiro Carnival, recognising the powerful display of Nigerian heritage that resonated with millions of people worldwide.
The commendation came from Chief Biodun Ajiboye, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, who expressed his appreciation in a statement from Abuja.
The carnival, held from February 28 to March 8, at the famed Sambadrome, drew an estimated eight million visitors from across the globe.
Ajiboye highlighted Brazil’s commitment to promoting Nigerian culture through the pulsating Orisa chants and Yoruba-inspired themes that dominated the carnival.
He stated that these performances not only captivated the audience but also reinforced the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
“We are inspired by what our Brazilian brothers and sisters are doing, as the Orisa tradition originates from Nigeria; all Orisas have their base here,” Ajiboye said.
“It is heart-warming to see that despite being taken forcefully as slaves, our ancestors kept the flames alive, and their descendants have continued to preserve and celebrate it with such grandeur.”
He praised Brazil’s dedication to preserving Yoruba traditions and recognised the country’s remarkable celebration of its African heritage. “You have shown that you are truly the children of kings and queens; you are not bastards but true heirs of our heritage,” Ajiboye added.
Ajiboye also commended Brazil for its progressive stance on religious tolerance and cultural inclusivity. He described Brazil’s efforts to elevate Yoruba traditions as an inspiration to the world, underscoring the need for global cooperation in preserving cultural legacies.
Looking forward, Ajiboye emphasised that the Nigerian government is committed to deepening cultural ties between the two nations. He revealed that high-level cultural conferences would be planned in both Nigeria and Brazil to strengthen historical connections, promote tourism, and foster religious harmony.
In line with this, NICO is spearheading plans for the World Orisa Congress, an annual event designed to bring Orisa devotees from around the world to Nigeria.
The congress will serve as a platform for scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and government representatives to explore sustainable strategies for cultural preservation and global engagement.
Ajiboye highlighted the Orisa spiritual system as a significant global force, with an estimated 450 million adherents worldwide. He expressed Nigeria’s desire to position itself as the epicentre of Orisa worship, much like Mecca for Muslims or Jerusalem for Jews.
The Executive Secretary also noted that NICO is working on creating a platform to unite devotees from across the world, including Brazil, Cuba, the United States, the UK, and many other nations, to continue the celebration and preservation of Yoruba culture.
Ajiboye expressed hope that through continued collaboration, Nigeria and Brazil could forge new pathways for enhancing cultural understanding and preserving the Yoruba heritage.
He applauded the Brazilian government for its unwavering support for cultural diversity and religious tolerance, encouraging both countries to continue building bridges for future generations.
The Rio de Janeiro Carnival, which dates back to 1723, is recognised as the world’s largest carnival, attracting millions of revellers each year.
In 2025, an estimated two million people per day filled the streets to enjoy floats, samba schools, and elaborate costumes, celebrating Brazil’s rich cultural diversity.
A samba school consists of a community of local neighbours with shared regional or geographical backgrounds, showcasing their cultural heritage through lively performances.
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