Yomi Durojaye
The Lagos State Government has urged residents and cultural enthusiasts to anticipate a display of culture, unforgettable experiences filled with colour, rhythm, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos, as it has concluded plans to host the 2026 edition of the Lagos Fanti Carnival on Easter Monday, April 6th, 2026.
Speaking during a press conference held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, ahead of the event at the Penthouse, Eleganza House, Joseph Harden Street, Lagos Island, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said that the carnival presents another opportunity for the government to showcase its commitment to tourism promotion and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the State.
She described Lagos as a vibrant melting pot of cultures, histories, and traditions, noting that the Lagos Fanti Carnival remains one of the State’s most iconic cultural celebrations.
According to her, the carnival is a powerful reflection of Lagos’ Afro-Brazilian heritage and its enduring historical ties with Atlantic communities.
“The Fanti Carnival is more than just a festival; it is a living narrative, an expression of identity, resilience, and community. Through colourful costumes, rhythmic music, captivating dances, and theatrical displays, it brings history to life while connecting generations through shared cultural experiences.” Commissioner disclosed
She said that the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival will take place on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square, which will once again serve as a grand stage for cultural expression, attracting residents, tourists, and culture enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond.
She emphasised the economic significance of the festival to the economy of the State and how it will boost sales, noting that tourism plays a critical role in enhancing and building local communities while driving commercial activities across the State.
Referencing the recent hosting of the Eyo Festival, she highlighted how such cultural events have consistently stimulated economic activity and boosted Lagos’ visibility on the global stage.
“As a Ministry, we remain resolute in leveraging cultural tourism as a strategic driver for economic growth, social cohesion, and global visibility for Lagos State,” she added. “Events like the Fanti Carnival stimulate local enterprise, empower creatives, and reinforce Lagos’ position as Africa’s leading destination for arts and culture.”
Highlighting the State’s forward-looking approach, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka added that efforts are ongoing to reimagine cultural heritage in ways that resonate with younger generations while preserving authenticity. She noted that the carnival continues to evolve by blending tradition with innovation, ensuring its vibrancy and global relevance.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to partners, sponsors, and stakeholders for their unwavering support in sustaining and expanding the State’s cultural ecosystem.
She also called on members of the media to continue amplifying Lagos’ cultural narratives to a global audience.
Giving insights into the Afro-Brazilian roots of the carnival, the General Secretary of the Brazilian Descendants Association, Mr. Remi Da Costa, highlighted the historical significance of the festival, tracing its origins to the 19th-century return of formerly enslaved Brazilians to Lagos.
He noted that these returnees introduced vibrant cultural elements, including elaborate costumes, mascots, and performance traditions that have evolved into what is now celebrated as the Fanti Carnival.
He further emphasised that the carnival represents only one aspect of a broader Afro-Brazilian heritage, which also includes distinctive cuisine and architectural styles found across Lagos Island.
According to him, the carnival remains a vital platform for preserving and showcasing this unique cultural identity.
He disclosed that the carnival’s 130-year heritage and cultural connection between Lagos and Brazil, is rooted in the Portuguese word “Fantasia”, meaning fantasy.
Also speaking, the Project Manager of the Lagos Fanti Carnival, Bolaji Animashaun, commended the Lagos State Government for its consistent support, as well as the collaboration with various Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and federal institutions.
She revealed that this year’s edition will feature special highlights, including award presentations for the Best Dressed and Best Performing Community, celebrating creativity and community participation.
The 2026 edition will spotlight key elements such as the 19th-century cultural rebirth of Afro-Brazilian traditions in Lagos, the evolution of Fanti costume artistry, the prominence of neighbourhood troupes, and the dynamic development of brass band performances that define the carnival’s unique rhythm and spectacle.
“This year, we’re expecting over 40,000 people; LAWMA is tasked with making sure that our waste is recyclable; the ambulance service, always ready to make sure that everyone is safe and hydrated,” she said.
Animashaun said the Nigerian Police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Lagos State Ambulance Service, Fire Service, Safety Commission and other agencies had been actively involved in planning to ensure safety, traffic control, waste management and emergency response.
She also acknowledged support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Lagos State Printing Corporation, and other government partners, noting that their collaboration would ensure effective coordination and community participation.
In her remarks, Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Theatre, Tola Akerele, described the carnival as an important cultural and tourism platform that promotes national identity and community bonding.
Akerele said that the carnival showcases Nigeria’s creative strength and encourages global participation in local cultural experiences.
She praised the organisers and community for their hard work on costume design, music, food, and performance, noting that it took dedication and commitment.
The carnival started among three communities on Lagos Island and has grown to include other neighbourhood troupes.
Seven troupes, including the Isale-Eko Woro Carnival Association, Brazilian Campos Carreta Carnival Association, and Okoo-Faji Carnival Association, will showcase their heritage in this year’s carnival.
Others are: Lafiaji Fanti Association, Epetedo United Youth Movement, Olowogbowo Fancy Carnival Association, and Okepopo Fanti Carnival Association.
The carnival will feature elaborate floats, Afro-Brazilian cultural displays, samba-influenced highlife brass music, traditional Yoruba design elements and culinary exhibitions reflecting shared Lagos-Brazil food heritage.
The event will also be accompanied by the Afro-Brazilian Economic and Cultural Exchange Summit aimed at strengthening cultural tourism, investment partnerships, and long-term collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil.
The 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival would build on previous successes by expanding community participation, boosting tourism visibility and creating more opportunities for local businesses and young creatives in Lagos.
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