Lagos Fanti Carnival 2025: Lagos Island’s Cultural Street Showcase

The streets of Lagos Island came alive this April for the 2025 Lagos Fanti Carnival. As one of Nigeria’s most culturally significant events, the Fanti Carnival highlights the enduring influence of Afro-Brazilian returnees on local tradition. What began over a century ago as a small community gathering has evolved into a public showcase of heritage, youth creativity, and street culture.

The 2025 edition brought together hundreds of performers, multiple neighbourhood troupes, and thousands of spectators, transforming familiar roads into a cultural display. Organised with backing from the Lagos State Government and local groups, this year’s event was not just about entertainment; it was a living archive of the city’s layered identity.

 

The Returnees and the Origin of the Lagos Fanti Carnival

The Fanti Carnival is rooted in the return of formerly enslaved Africans who had settled in Brazil before returning to Lagos in the 19th century. The Aguda people brought back customs, fashion, Catholic influences, cuisine, and social structures. Their legacy remains in Lagos Island’s architecture and events like this carnival.

The word “Fanti” originally referred to the type of masquerade and celebration introduced by these communities. Over the years, the name stuck and became associated with Lagos Island’s version of carnival, separate from the Calabar or Port Harcourt editions.

 

Street Parades and Group Competitions

The heart of the Lagos Fanti Carnival lies in its local troupes. Groups representing neighbourhoods such as Campos, Onola, Elegbata, and Ereko prepared for months to compete through dance, costume, and coordination. Each group moved in a well-rehearsed formation, backed by music crews, drummers, and singers.

The judging wasn’t just about looking good; it involved timing, storytelling, song choices, and how well the group captured this year’s theme, The Spirit of Return.

Some groups focused on historic scenes—depicting the arrival of returnees at the Marina port—while others celebrated everyday life on Lagos Island. No two processions looked the same.

 

Costumes and Cultural Messages

The costume reveal is one of the most anticipated parts of the Fanti Carnival each year, and this year was no different. Participants wore layered outfits that combined local fabrics like aso-oke with materials influenced by Afro-Brazilian ceremonial wear. Headpieces, beads, face markings, lace, and metallic touches played a part.

But beyond looks, each costume group aimed to say something. Some focused on the clash between traditional values and modern life in Lagos. Others explored migration, resilience, and community ties. While the aesthetics drew cameras, the messages made people pause.

 

Music That Filled the Air

Music played a central role throughout the event. Each group had its own sound team of drummers, singers, dancers, and sometimes DJS. Sounds ranged from Yoruba bàtá and sákárà rhythms to Brazilian-influenced samba. There were also trumpet and saxophone solos scattered throughout, with some groups bringing full brass bands.

Afrobeats tracks briefly appeared but focused on older, community-rooted sounds. Songs were mainly performed in Yoruba or Portuguese Creole, with some choruses explicitly written for the carnival.

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Food, Local Vendors, and Community Commerce

Carnival Day wasn’t just about music and dance—it was also suitable for small businesses. Streets near Campos Square were lined with food vendors selling everything from ewa agoyin to grilled chicken with garri. Some stalls brought back old Brazilian-Nigerian dishes like feijoada made with a Yoruba twist.

Fashion vendors also set up pop-up stores selling caps, fans, locally made jewellery, and fabrics. It allowed many Lagosians to support homegrown designers while showing off their style.

 

Security and Organisation

One major improvement this year was how organised the carnival felt. Police officers, LASTMA officials, and local volunteers were stationed across the venue to manage traffic, protect attendees, and control the parade flow. Entry and exit points were clearly marked, and several health and emergency response teams were on standby.

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Culture also provided logistics support, ensuring the event did not disrupt essential services on the Island. According to reports, there were no major incidents throughout the day.

 

More Than a Carnival—A Cultural Investment

The Fanti Carnival is increasingly seen as a fun event and a tool for cultural preservation. Troupes are primarily made up of young people, some as young as 12, who train for months under the guidance of older mentors. They learn history, performance skills, teamwork, and costume design through the preparation process.

For many families on Lagos Island, participating in the carnival is a matter of pride. It also helps spark renewed interest in Afro-Brazilian history among the younger generation, who grew up unaware of the deep ties between Lagos and cities like Bahia or Rio de Janeiro.

Explore the best of Nigeria’s tourism with our curated guides on top attractions, hidden gems, and cultural experiences. Discover more here.

 

FAQs

1. What is the Lagos Fanti Carnival?

It’s a yearly street celebration on Lagos Island that honours the heritage of Afro-Brazilian returnees through parades, costumes, music, and dance.

2. Where is the Lagos Fanti Carnival held?

The carnival mainly occurs across central Lagos Island, especially in areas like Campos, Onola, and Ereko.

3. When is the Fanti Carnival usually celebrated?

It typically takes place in April, with dates that align with Easter holidays or post-Easter weekends.

4. Can tourists attend or join the Lagos Fanti Carnival?

Yes. The event is open to everyone. Visitors can watch, take photos, or even join in as part of a troupe if arrangements are made in advance.

5. Who organises the Fanti Carnival?

The key organisers are local cultural groups, neighbourhood associations, and the Lagos State Government. Preparations often start months in advance.