…Sanwo-Olu hails Fanti Carnival return as ‘reconnection to cultural legacy’
By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos Island burst into colour, rhythm, and joyful celebration on Easter Sunday as the long-awaited Lagos Fanti Carnival made its spectacular comeback after years of inactivity. The event drew thousands of residents, cultural troupes, and dignitaries, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu leading the festivities in a vivid display of the city’s enduring Afro-Brazilian heritage.
The Governor described the carnival as “a powerful reconnection to our roots, a revival of a cultural legacy that has shaped who we are.”
He underlined the role of the carnival in preserving and uplifting the deep historical narratives of Lagos Island, long shaped by the influence of Afro-Brazilian returnees who introduced samba music, vibrant costumes, and ornate Brazilian-style architecture to the area.
“Today, the streets of Lagos Island transformed into a vibrant tapestry of colour, rhythm, and expressions of community,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This isn’t just a celebration; it’s a radiant reconnection to our roots, and a celebration of the cultural legacy that has shaped our identity as Lagosians.”
The carnival unfolded across several iconic locations, including Remembrance Arcade, Onikan Roundabout, and Catholic Mission Street. It featured an energetic mix of traditional and contemporary cultural showcases, breathing new life into a tradition that traces its origins to the 1800s.
Three standout attractions captivated revellers: the Afro-Brazilian Food Showcase, a Heritage Art Exhibition, and a grand parade. Each was designed to reflect the rich interplay between African and Brazilian influences that define the Fanti Carnival.
Historically, the carnival pays homage to Afro-Brazilian returnees who, after being freed from slavery in Brazil, resettled in Lagos and infused the city with elements of their adopted culture. Their contributions, from culinary tastes to musical rhythms and craftsmanship, have become woven into the fabric of Lagos Island’s identity.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the spirit of the people who turned out in numbers, applauding their collective embrace of the festival’s message of unity and cultural pride.
“It was an absolute pleasure to see so many people come together to embrace the spirit of unity, resilience, and joy that the Fanti Carnival embodies,” he said.
The day’s revelry was further enriched by performances from local musicians and dance groups, with samba-inspired drum ensembles and traditional masquerades bringing electrifying energy to the streets. These performances paid tribute not only to Afro-Brazilian roots but also to the diverse and evolving cultural landscape of Lagos.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, spoke to the significance of the event, calling it a powerful expression of collective memory.
“The Fanti Carnival is more than just a festival. It is a living memory of our Afro-Brazilian roots, a celebration of the cultural richness that defines us as Lagosians,” she said.
She also reiterated the Lagos State Government’s ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting the city’s cultural identity, noting the essential role such festivals play in strengthening social bonds and boosting tourism.
The revival of the Fanti Carnival signals a renewed dedication to celebrating Lagos’ multifaceted cultural heritage while positioning the city as a leading destination for heritage tourism on the global stage.