Lagos State Government has said that no fewer than 40,000 tourists and participants are expected at the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival.

It assured residents and the visitors of adequate security and safety throughout the event, which is slated for April 6, 2026, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

The state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, while speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, yesterday, said the carnival remained one of the state’s most iconic cultural celebrations.

She emphasised that the carnival reflected the state’s rich cultural diversity, which seeks to celebrate the heritage of Afro-Brazilian returnees, while strengthening cultural ties between Nigeria and the global community.

“Lagos stands as a vibrant melting pot of cultures, histories, and traditions. The Fanti carnival is a compelling reflection of this diversity, celebrating the rich heritage of the Afro-Brazilian returnees and the enduring cultural ties between Lagos and the wider Atlantic world.

“More than just a festival, the Fanti carnival is a living narrative, an expression of identity, resilience, and community. Through its colourful costumes, rhythmic music, captivating dances, and theatrical displays, it brings history to life while connecting generations through shared cultural experiences,” she said.

Benson-Awoyinka emphasised that the state government was committed to leveraging cultural tourism as a driver of economic growth and global visibility, noting that events like the carnival stimulate local businesses and empower creative industries.

She further said that the government also focused on preserving cultural authenticity while adapting the carnival to appeal to younger generations.

The commissioner commended sponsors, partners and stakeholders for their continued support, describing their contributions as vital to the growth of Lagos’ cultural ecosystem.

Benson-Awoyinka, while reiterating government’s commitment to safety, said that necessary measures would be put in place to guarantee a secure and seamless experience for all attendees.

Also, General Manager of the National Theatre, Tola Akerele, said that the carnival was in commemoration of Nigerian returnees from Brazil over a century ago.

She emphasised that the carnival was a very important one to promote tourism, not just in the state, but in Nigeria as a whole.

The Project Director, Lagos Fanti Carnival, Tolani Animashaun, explained that seven communities, which cut across the returnee communities, would participate in the carnival and showcase their cultural heritage in the one-day event.

Animashaun stated that no fever than 40,000 people would participate in the carnival and lauded its partners for sustaining the carnival.

She promised the participants of utmost safety and security throughout the event, stressing that the government has provided all the facilities that would make it seamless.

A member of the organising committee, A Duke Gomez, said that the carnival just like in the past would serve as an exploration of backend stories of returnees from Brazil.

Besides, the General Secretary, Brazil Descendant Association, Remi Dacosta, explained that all the seven communities would be involved in the carnival.

He noted that the event had recorded a tremendous support from the Lagos State government over the years.

Dacosta declared that the event would serve as a platform for the descendants to showcase their different Brazilian heritage in Nigeria.