The Lagos State Authorities, by its Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Tradition, in partnership with the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos and Robert Taylor Media, has introduced the return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival.
The extremely anticipated cultural celebration will happen on Easter Sunday, 20 April, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Sq., Lagos Island.
First held within the late nineteenth century by Afro-Brazilian returnees of Yoruba descent, the Lagos Fanti Carnival stays one of many metropolis’s most cherished cultural traditions.
Rooted in a mix of samba rhythms, Catholic influences, and road theatre, it displays the resilience and creativity of a neighborhood rebuilding its identification after the transatlantic slave commerce.
Shared historical past
At a press briefing held on the Brazilian Consulate, Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Tradition, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the carnival as a strong expression of shared historical past and identification.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is greater than a spectacle—it’s a vibrant, residing expression of our collective historical past,” she stated.
“It’s a celebration of the resilience, identification, and inventive spirit of Afro-Brazilian returnees who blended samba rhythms, Catholic influences, and road efficiency into what advanced because the Fanti Carnival.”
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She highlighted the Ministry’s dedication to preserving Lagos’ heritage by initiatives such because the citywide heritage plaque program.
The plaques, embedded with QR codes, intention to protect and share the tales of great websites and traditions that formed town’s cultural panorama.
Mrs Benson-Awoyinka additionally recommended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continued assist.
“The revival of the Lagos Fanti Carnival is a testomony to the Governor’s enduring dedication to celebrating our heritage and fostering inclusive cultural improvement. His management has been instrumental in repositioning Lagos as a worldwide cultural hub,” she famous.
Brazilian Consul Common, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio del Lacerda Santos Jr., bolstered the deep historic ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
“Our two nations are certain by a shared historical past, tradition, delicacies, and spirit. The Fanti Carnival is a strong reminder that the bond between Brazil and Nigeria is not only historic—it holds immense promise for future collaborations throughout commerce, schooling, know-how, and extra,” he stated.
He added that Yoruba cultural affect stays seen in Brazil’s delicacies and religious traditions, noting,
“There’s little question {that a} Brazilian can really feel utterly at dwelling in Lagos.”
City planning knowledgeable Peter Richie of IconGeo unveiled the official parade route and historic maps exhibiting the significance of the Brazilian Quarters in Lagos.
“As we evolve this heritage celebration, we should guarantee it turns into a device for inclusion, schooling, and neighborhood satisfaction,” he stated.
Kola Peregrino, president of the Brazilian Descendants Affiliation, applauded the federal government’s efforts and reaffirmed the group’s dedication to cultural preservation and consciousness.
Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry, Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, expressed appreciation to dignitaries, companions, and the media, calling for sturdy protection and public participation.
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Main points of interest
This 12 months’s carnival will function three important points of interest: an Afro-Brazilian Meals Showcase, a Heritage Artwork Exhibition, and the grand parade. Every ingredient will mix conventional heritage with trendy Lagos creativity—by music, style, dance, storytelling, and delicacies.
The occasion is anticipated to attract over 10,000 in-person attendees and greater than 50,000 livestream viewers and generate greater than 2 million digital impressions globally. It additionally highlights the power and expertise of Lagos’ youth—designers, dancers, musicians, and artists reimagining cultural traditions for a brand new technology.
Within the run-up to the occasion, organisers will provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of rehearsals, costume creation, and neighborhood gatherings.
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