A single glance at the revived Lagos Fanti Carnival reveals two things: brilliantly inventive costumes and the genuine pride on every participant’s face. Revived at the behest of Mrs Toke Benson-Awo...
A single glance at the revived Lagos Fanti Carnival reveals two things: brilliantly inventive costumes and the genuine pride on every participant’s face.
Revived at the behest of Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, the carnival resurfaced this year after nearly a decade, spotlighting a shared Afro-Brazilian heritage. Originating in the 1800s when freed slaves returned from Brazil bearing samba rhythms, elegant costume traditions and a belief in festivals as acts of remembrance, the Fanti Carnival honours both history and community.
This year’s theme, “Heritage and Unity,” was woven through every performance. Attendees paraded in sumptuous outfits—ruffled skirts, feathered headdresses and embroidered capes—while drummers and trumpeters kept samba’s pulse alive. VVIPs savoured Garri Ijebu served with milk, sugar, ice water and crowned with Lagos Island’s famed fish and prawns, a humble tribute to local flavours.
Adding to the spectacle, actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliot arrived on horseback, his regal entrance highlighting the carnival’s blend of tradition and contemporary significance. Behind the scenes, the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos Island collaborated to bring this cultural gem back to life.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival’s successful return reaffirms its core values: preserving a unique heritage and uniting communities. As drums fade and costumes are stored away, the spirit of Fanti lives on—an enduring celebration of history, resistance and the vibrant soul of Lagos.
See photos below:
Participants parade during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)Participants parade during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)Participants parade during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)Participants parade during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)Participants parade during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)A participant adjusts his outfit as he waits for the parade to start during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)Participants pose for a photograph as they wait for the parade to start during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)A participant helps another participant arrange his outfit as they wait for the parade to start during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)Participants get ready as they wait for the parade to start during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)Participants rehearse as they wait for the parade to start during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)Participants sit as they wait for the parade to start during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)Participants sit on horses as they wait for the parade to start during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP)
