The Lagos State Government has announced plans to host the 2026 edition of the Lagos Fanti Carnival on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026. The event is expected to bring together residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts for a colourful celebration that highlights the city’s Afro-Brazilian heritage and cultural identity.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Penthouse of Eleganza House on Joseph Harden Street, Lagos Island. The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the carnival remains one of the state’s most significant cultural events and an important platform for promoting tourism while preserving Lagos’ cultural heritage.
According to the Commissioner, Lagos continues to thrive as a meeting point of cultures, traditions, and histories. She noted that the Lagos Fanti Carnival reflects this diversity and stands as one of the most iconic cultural celebrations in the state.
She explained that the festival represents the long historical connection between Lagos and Afro-Brazilian communities. Through its colourful costumes, energetic music, dance performances, and theatrical displays, the carnival tells the story of Lagos’ heritage while bringing different generations together.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka also highlighted the economic importance of the festival, noting that cultural tourism plays a vital role in strengthening local communities and driving commercial activities across the state. She referenced the recently held Eyo Festival as an example of how major cultural events can stimulate economic activity and increase Lagos’ visibility on the global stage.
She added that the Ministry remains committed to using cultural tourism as a tool for economic growth, social unity, and international recognition for Lagos.
“Events like the Fanti Carnival encourage local enterprise, empower creative talents, and strengthen Lagos’ position as Africa’s leading destination for arts and culture,” she said.
The 2026 carnival will take place at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, which will once again serve as the central venue for the celebration.
The Commissioner further noted that the government is working to keep cultural traditions relevant to younger generations by combining heritage with modern creative expressions while preserving authenticity.
Also speaking at the briefing, the General Secretary of the Brazilian Descendants Association, Mr. Remi Da Costa, traced the historical roots of the carnival to the nineteenth century when formerly enslaved Brazilians returned to Lagos and introduced unique cultural traditions.
He explained that these returnees brought elaborate costumes, mascots, music, and performance styles that later developed into what is now known as the Fanti Carnival.
According to him, the carnival is part of a broader Afro-Brazilian heritage that includes distinctive food culture and architectural styles still visible across Lagos Island. He added that the festival’s 130-year history reflects the long cultural relationship between Lagos and Brazil. The name “Fanti,” he noted, is linked to the Portuguese word “Fantasia,” which means fantasy.
The Project Manager of the Lagos Fanti Carnival, Bolaji Animashaun, commended the Lagos State Government and its partner institutions for supporting the event over the years. She revealed that this year’s edition will include awards for the Best Dressed Community and Best Performing Community to recognise creativity and encourage greater community participation.
Animashaun stated that more than 40,000 people are expected to attend the carnival. She also assured that agencies such as the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, Lagos State Ambulance Service, the Nigerian Police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Fire Service, and the Lagos State Safety Commission have been involved in preparations to ensure public safety, proper waste management, and smooth traffic control.
Other government partners supporting the event include the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Lagos State Printing Corporation.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Theatre, Tola Akerele, described the Fanti Carnival as a major cultural platform that strengthens national identity and promotes tourism. She noted that the event highlights Nigeria’s creative strength and encourages global interest in local cultural experiences.
This year’s carnival will feature seven neighbourhood troupes representing historic communities on Lagos Island. They include the Isale-Eko Woro Carnival Association, Brazilian Campos Carreta Carnival Association, Okoo-Faji Carnival Association, Lafiaji Fanti Association, Epetedo United Youth Movement, Olowogbowo Fancy Carnival Association, and Okepopo Fanti Carnival Association.
Participants will present colourful floats, Afro-Brazilian costume displays, samba-influenced brass band performances, traditional Yoruba design elements, and food exhibitions reflecting the shared culinary heritage between Lagos and Brazil.
The celebration will also include the Afro-Brazilian Economic and Cultural Exchange Summit, designed to strengthen cultural tourism, investment opportunities, and long-term cultural cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil.
Organisers say the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival aims to expand community participation, promote Lagos as a global cultural destination, and create more opportunities for local businesses and young creative talents.
