Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government don announce say Fanti Carnival go return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, for Remembrance Arcade wey dey Tafawa Balewa Square. Organisers don unveil the official route wey the carnival go take, as dem dey prepare for the cultural celebration.
For one official Instagram post on Thursday, dem explain say the parade go dey move from Remembrance Arcade go through Old Defence Road, JK Randle, Military Street, Catholic Mission Street, and other parts of Lagos Island. Dem describe am as ‘a takeover of the streets of Lagos Island.’
Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, wey be Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, talk this announcement on Tuesday during one press briefing wey happen for Brazilian Consulate for Lagos Island. She explain say this carnival dey trace back to 19th-century Afro-Brazilian returnee communities. E dey celebrate the blend of Yoruba heritage, samba rhythms, Catholic influences, and street performance wey turn into the Fancy Carnival.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival no be just show; e dey represent our collective history. Na celebration of resilience, identity, and creative spirit of Afro-Brazilian returnees,” she talk.
Benson-Awoyinka also use the chance to thank Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for im support, as she describe the revival of the carnival as one major testimony to the Governor’s commitment to promoting culture and inclusive development. “Im leadership don dey reshape Lagos as global cultural hub,” she add.
Ambassador Manuel Innocencio del Lacerda Santos Jr., wey be Consul General of Brazil for Lagos, also yan about the strong cultural ties between Brazil and Nigeria, especially in food, religion, and music. “Our two countries share strong history, culture, and spirit. The Fanti Carnival remind us say the bond between Brazil and Nigeria no be only history; e get plenty future collaborations wey dey await us for trade, education, and technology,” he said.
During the press event, Mr. Peter Richie from IconGeo present the ceremonial route and historical maps of Lagos wey date back to 1924. Him call for more inclusive community involvement in urban renewal.
Dr. Kola Peregrino, President of the Brazilian Descendants Association, and Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, dey optimistic about the cultural and educational impact wey the carnival go bring back.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival 2025 go include parades, music, fashion, food, and storytelling, as part of the state’s efforts to create year-round cultural tourism calendar.
