Fanti carnival: Lagos set to promote Afro-Brazilian heritage, environmental sustainability

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The Lagos State Government has revealed that the 2026 Fanti Carnival will focus on promoting Afro-Brazilian heritage and environmental sustainability.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the April 6 event at Tafawa Balewa Square, the Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stated that the carnival is a living expression of the state's Afro-Brazilian identity.

However, she emphasized that the 2026 edition will prioritize environmental responsibility.

Similarly, the Event Project Manager Mrs. Bolaji Animashaun confirmed that all waste generated by the expected 40,000 attendees will be recycled, while food waste will be regenerated through specialized agencies.

Beyond the aesthetics of music and costumes, the carnival is being positioned as a serious economic tool. Mrs. Aduke Gomez of the Fanti Carnival Advisory Council noted that a dedicated summit will be held on April 2 at Glover Hall to discuss creative exchange and diaspora trade links.

The General Manager of the National Theatre, Mrs. Tola Akerele, added that the festival remains a vital educational platform for younger generations to understand their cultural lineage.

The event will feature participation from seven distinct communities, with prizes awarded for the best-performing and best-dressed groups, reinforcing community identity and creative competition.