The Lagos State Government has announced plans to host the 2026 edition of the Lagos Fanti Carnival on Easter Monday, April 6, at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square, promising a vibrant celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture, colour, and rhythm.
Speaking at a press conference held at Eleganza House on Lagos Island, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the carnival underscores the State Government’s commitment to promoting tourism and preserving its rich cultural heritage.
She described Lagos as a melting pot of cultures and traditions, noting that the Fanti Carnival remains one of the State’s most iconic cultural events. According to her, the festival reflects Lagos’ Afro-Brazilian roots and its enduring historical ties with Atlantic communities.
“The Fanti Carnival is more than just a festival; it is a living expression of identity, resilience, and community,” she said, adding that the event connects generations through colourful costumes, music, dance, and theatrical displays.
Benson-Awoyinka emphasised the economic importance of the carnival, noting that it will boost commercial activities, empower creatives, and further position Lagos as a leading cultural and tourism destination in Africa. She referenced the success of the Eyo Festival as evidence of how cultural events stimulate economic growth and enhance global visibility.
Providing historical context, the General Secretary of the Brazilian Descendants Association, Remi Da Costa, traced the carnival’s origin to the 19th-century return of formerly enslaved Brazilians to Lagos. He explained that these returnees introduced elaborate costumes, mascots, and performance traditions that evolved into the modern Fanti Carnival.
He added that the festival represents a broader Afro-Brazilian heritage seen in Lagos Island’s cuisine and architecture, noting that its 130-year legacy is linked to the Portuguese word “Fantasia,” meaning fantasy.
Project Manager of the carnival, Bolaji Animashaun, revealed that this year’s edition will feature over 40,000 attendees, with highlights including awards for Best Dressed and Best Performing Community. She noted that agencies such as the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos Waste Management Authority, and emergency services have been mobilised to ensure safety, traffic control, and environmental management.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Theatre, Tola Akerele, described the carnival as a vital platform for promoting national identity and strengthening community bonds, while showcasing Nigeria’s creative potential to a global audience.
This year’s carnival will feature seven participating troupes, including Isale-Eko, Lafiaji, Epetedo, Olowogbowo, and Okepopo groups, each presenting unique cultural expressions through elaborate floats, Afro-Brazilian displays, samba-influenced brass music, and traditional Yoruba elements.
The event will also host an Afro-Brazilian Economic and Cultural Exchange Summit aimed at fostering tourism, investment, and cultural collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil.
With its rich blend of history, creativity, and community participation, the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival is set to further boost tourism, expand economic opportunities, and reinforce Lagos’ status as a global hub for arts and culture.
