The Lagos State Government has officially announced the return of the historic Fanti Carnival, scheduled to take place on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square
In the buildup to the event, organisers revealed the official route for the parade via the carnival’s Instagram page on Thursday. The vibrant procession will move from the Remembrance Arcade through Old Defence Road, JK Randle, Military Street, Catholic Mission Street, and other parts of Lagos Island, creating what they described as “a takeover of the streets of Lagos Island.”
The state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, first announced the carnival’s return during a press briefing on Tuesday at the Brazilian Consulate on Lagos Island.
Tracing the roots of the Fanti Carnival to 19th-century Afro-Brazilian returnee communities, Benson-Awoyinka highlighted its rich blend of Yoruba traditions, samba rhythms, Catholic influences, and street performances.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle—it is a vibrant, living expression of our collective history. It is a celebration of the resilience, identity, and creative spirit of Afro-Brazilian returnees,” she said.
She also praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his backing of the revival, calling it “a testament to the 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 added.
Also speaking at the event, Brazil’s Consul General in Lagos, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio del Lacerda Santos Jr., underscored the cultural bonds between Nigeria and Brazil, noting shared roots in food, religion, and music.
“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,” he stated.
Mr Peter Richie of IconGeo also presented the ceremonial parade route and historical maps of Lagos from 1924, emphasizing the need for more community involvement in urban development.
Other speakers included the President of the Brazilian Descendants Association, Dr Kola Peregrino, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, both of whom expressed confidence in the carnival’s cultural and educational significance.
The 2025 Fanti Carnival will feature music, parades, fashion, food, and storytelling, and forms part of Lagos State’s broader plan to develop a year-round cultural tourism calendar.
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