More than 10,000 to parade

By Damiete Braide

The heart of Lagos Island will once again vibrate with colour, rhythm and cultural pride, as Lagos Fanti Carnival stages a comeback on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

With roots tracing back to 1890, the carnival is more than a festive gathering, it’s a living testament to the enduring ties between Nigeria and Brazil, and a vibrant tribute to the Afro-Brazilian legacy embedded in Lagos’ cultural fabric.

Supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with Robert Taylor Media and Brazilian Descendants Association, this year’s edition promises to be a landmark event.

Drawing thousands of guests from across Nigeria and around the world, the celebration is designed to honour history, while embracing the creativity of a new generation.

The Lagos Fanti Carnival unfolds through three core experiences: the Afro-Brazilian Food Showcase, Heritage Art Exhibition, and Lagos Fanti Carnival Parade. These immersive activities will spotlight the sights, sounds and flavours of a blended heritage, where samba-inspired rhythms, bold fashion statements and expressive dance performances will transform the streets into a moving canvas of culture.

More than 10,000 guests are expected to attend in person, with over 50,000 joining via live stream, and an anticipated two million digital impressions echoing the spectacle online. The event stands as a powerful platform for youth-driven creativity, featuring young dancers, musicians, designers, and artists who are reinventing traditional expressions with fresh, contemporary perspectives.

In the days leading up to the main event, the city will offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into the carnival’s magic: community rehearsals, costume creation, and vibrant neighborhood gatherings will all be shared, offering a rare window into the heart and hustle behind the celebration.

The Lagos Fanti Carnival is not only a cultural milestone; it’s a call to unity, identity and joy. It honours the legacy of African descendants who returned from Brazil and enriched Lagos with their customs, cuisine and spirit.

Today, the carnival remains a dynamic intersection of tradition and innovation, echoing the evolving narrative of Lagos, a city rooted in history and alive with the promise of tomorrow.