The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Brazilian Consulate, announces the return of the historic Lagos Fanti Carnival on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, celebrating Afro-Brazilian heritage and cultural exchange
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Consulate of Brazil in Lagos, has officially announced the highly anticipated return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival.
The vibrant cultural extravaganza is scheduled to take place on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos Island on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the carnival as a cherished and significant cultural celebration for Lagos State.
She emphasized its historical importance, particularly its deep roots in the Afro-Brazilian communities of Yoruba descent who resettled in Lagos in the late 19th century after enduring displacement from the transatlantic slave trade. These returnees played a crucial role in shaping the unique cultural landscape of Lagos.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle—it is a vibrant, living expression of our collective history,” stated Mrs 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 Lagos’ rich cultural heritage through community-led initiatives, including the citywide heritage plaque program designed to share the stories of significant sites and traditions.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle—it is a vibrant, living expression of our collective history,” said Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka.
She expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support in promoting the state’s cultural and tourism sectors, noting his instrumental role in repositioning Lagos as a global cultural hub.
In his remarks, the Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio del Lacerda Santos Jr., underscored the enduring historical and cultural ties between Brazil and Nigeria, emphasizing shared history, culture, cuisine, and spirit.
He noted that the Fanti Carnival serves as a powerful reminder of the strong bond between the two nations, holding immense potential for future collaborations in various sectors. Ambassador Santos Jr. also reflected on the significant cultural influence of Yoruba traditions in Brazil, making Brazilians feel at home in Lagos.
Mr. Peter Richie of IconGeo presented the ceremonial route map of the carnival, stressing the importance of community inclusion in urban renewal efforts.
He also unveiled historical maps of Lagos, highlighting the historical significance of the Brazilian Quarters. Dr. Kola Peregrino, President of the Brazilian Descendants Association, commended the government’s support and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to preserving Afro-Brazilian heritage in Lagos.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for their dedication to reviving this significant cultural legacy and expressed optimism for wide media coverage of the upcoming carnival.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival 2025 promises a captivating celebration of identity, featuring parades, music, storytelling, fashion, and cuisine. It is a key part of the Ministry’s broader vision to calendarize tourism events, establishing 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.”
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