The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture, has once again showcased the richness of culture and tradition of the state as a symbol of unity at the 2026 Fanti Carnival.
An exciting ambience was created at the main bowl of Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, where Lagosians thronged the venue to celebrate the culture, music and spirit of Lagos.
Clad in elegant costumes, different communities made processions to the delightful attention of the guests, including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Wife and other dignitaries, from both local and international.
READ ALSO: Lagos Shines Bright at 2026 Fanti Carnival
Ceremonial parades by the communities in attendance, including Lafiaji Fanti Association, Epetedo United Youth Movement, Okepopo Fanti Association, Okoo-Faji Carnival Association, Isale-Eko Woro Carnival Association, and Olowogbowo Fanti Association, among others.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said that the celebration was designed to embolden the symbol of unity, resilience and artistic expression that showcases Lagos unique identity.
Benson-Awoyinka mentioned that the cultural event is a testament to the state’s rich Afro-Brazilian Heritage while emphasising the commitment of Lagos State through the Ministry to continuously harnessing cultural tourism as a path to economic growth and social cohesion.
She said, “From pulsating drums to dazzling costumes, every detail reflects our cultural richness. We are celebrating community, bridging past and present and embracing our diversity. Immerse yourself in the experience, feel th rhythm and connect with others as we celebrate our heritage and showcase Lagos as a beacon of creativity.”
Cultural Linkage
This initiative, according to a tourist expert, Kazeem Balogun, is a way to protect the cultural linkage and rich Afro-Brazilian Heritage by the Lagos State government and to strengthen the relationship between both cultures.
The atmosphere was charged by popular local musicians who thrilled the participants to some of their old and current tunes.
“The drums, highlife music and scintillating performances by the communities are pointers to the richness in our culture and here today, we have people from outside the country coming to see what we have and this shows how valuable our tradition stands in the global community,” Balogun explained.
Unifying Spirit
Bunmi Aribisala is one of the participants; she acknowledged the power of unifying the people through the carnival, stressing that the celebration of culture and tradition is key to achieving global exchange of ideas about tourism and hospitality.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival is one of the oldest cultural traditions on Lagos Island, which is rooted in the legacy of Afro-Brazilian returnees, formerly enslaved Africans who made their way back from Brazil in the late 1800s.
With support from the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Brazilian Descendants Association, the Fanti Carnival is being revived by a memory of Lagos that is being rooted in culture.