Lagos Set To Hold Fanti Carnival On Easter Monday … Says Event Will Showcase Afro-Brazilian Cultural Heritage Identity

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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Lagos to shut down Oba Akran Avenue Ikeja for carnival

Olamide, Lil Kesh, Small Doctor, Queen Salawa Abeni, Malaika and Tope Sax amongst others to entertain guests

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government on Sunday said plans have been concluded to stage this year's edition of the Lagos Street Carnival scheduled to hold on December 3 along Oba Akran Avenue in Ikeja.The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola, in an interview with newsmen, said the venue of the carnival would be shut down but adequate preparations have been made for alternative routes to mitigate the impact of the road closure on motorists and residents.Dubbed, “Lagos Street Party’’ in its maiden edition last year, the event has grown into a carnival to mark the start of the end of the year activities, celebrate the multi-cultural nature of Lagosians and reposition the State as a formidable cultural destination.

Speaking on security arrangements already put in place, Akinsola said, "We like to assure Lagosians and visitors that efforts are in place to ensure that the venue and environs are safe and incident-free”.“We expect more visitors this year and a lot more will be coming.

 In terms of security and crowd control, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is not working alone. We are working with the police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Fire service, LASAMBUS and the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA). All of them are onboard and people are not going to see Oba Akran on Monday in a dirty state,” Akinsola said.

She expressed optimism that the event will witness an overflow of people of diverse cultures from all over the State engaged in merrymaking to usher in the Yuletide season.

"That was how it was done on the Island and this year we are bringing it to the mainland and of course next year, we would be looking at another location because the aim of government is to take this carnival all around Lagos,” she added.

She reiterated that through project T.H.E.S.E which stands for Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Arts and Sports to achieve Excellence, the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is committed to repositioning

the State and ensure excellence in the true sense of the word. While urging everyone to participate and enjoy the entertaining activities lined up for the carnival, the Special Adviser said: "the carnival is not only just for adults alone, the children will have their own corner where they can have fun.”  The carnival which has a line-up of artists including Olamide, Lil Kesh, Queen Salawa Abeni, Malaika and Tope Sax amongst others will start from noon until midnight on Sunday.

LASG enlists Asa festival into annual cultural calendar

...making the state a hub of historical attraction.

AgegePulse Magazine

In continuation of its unwavering effort to promote the culture and tradition of the people in the State, the Lagos State Government has enlisted the Asa Cultural Festival as one of the major annual festival celebrated in the State.

The festival which coincides with the unveiling of Asa Statue tagged, ‘Celebrating Ikorodu Division’s Heritage’ at Ikorodu captured the essence and origin of the local people and the need to teach generations unborn the relevance of our culture.

The Asa Arokolo (a man on a delicate stick) is one of the aged long celebrated Deities/ Festivals in Ikorodu and its environ invoking memories of the origin of the people of the town and the impact made by their ancestors during their lifetime.

Presenting the certificate of endorsement to the organizers of the festival, the representative of the Governor on Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola congratulated the people for propagating the Yoruba tradition and making the state a hub of historical attraction.

Adebimpe, who is the Special Adviser to Governor on Arts and Culture, disclosed that Asa plays an important role in the affairs of man and the community, explaining that apart from being the deity of fertility and happiness, it serves as entertainment and spiritual purpose which are beneficial to the people.

He further said that Asa serves as the fulcrum of social mobilization of the youth and society as a whole.

The Acting Commissioner assured the people that the Governor is interested in the development of arts and culture in the State, as he is determined to support events that promote unity and peaceful co-existence of all residents in the state.

According to her, Governor Ambode is pleased to have many cultural festivals because he believes that these would promote the indigenous culture of the people as well as attract both the local and foreign tourists in order to propel the state’s drive for economic prosperity.

She enthused that in line with the policy of the present administration, Asa and other cultural display at the festival will be listed for the State’s Cultural Road Map for 2018.

The Asa carnival was organized by Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly and prominent indigenes in Ikorodu as part of the efforts to revive Ikorodu culture and tradition.