Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu have joined thousands of residents, tourists and cultural enthusiasts at the 2026 Fanti Carnival, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
The historic venue came alive with colour, music and pageantry as Lagosians thronged the arena to celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage. The carnival featured vibrant processions by various communities, with participants adorned in elaborate costumes that drew admiration from guests.
Cultural groups including Lafiaji Fanti Association, Epetedo United Youth Movement, Okepopo Fanti Association, Okoo-Faji Carnival Association, Isale-Eko Woro Carnival Association, and Olowogbowo Fanti Association staged ceremonial parades, showcasing the enduring traditions of Lagos Island.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the carnival as a symbol of unity, resilience and artistic expression that reflects Lagos’ unique identity.
She noted that the event highlights the state’s Afro-Brazilian heritage and underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging cultural tourism as a driver of economic growth and social cohesion.
“From pulsating drums to dazzling costumes, every detail reflects our cultural richness. We are celebrating community, bridging past and present and embracing our diversity,” she said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, expressed satisfaction with the scale and organisation of the carnival, revealing that preparations began three months in advance as part of the state’s structured tourism calendar.
According to her, the event was projected to attract about 20,000 participants and featured elaborate parades, diverse culinary offerings and a showcase of Lagos hospitality. She added that pre-event engagements, including stakeholder meetings and media briefings, contributed to its smooth execution.
Oyekan-Ismaila emphasised the cultural richness on display, noting that processions from historic communities such as Campos, Lafiaji, Isale-Eko, Olowogbowo, Okoo-Faji, Okepopo and Epetedo added depth to the celebration.
Beyond its cultural significance, she highlighted the carnival’s economic value, noting that it attracts visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora, boosting spending across sectors such as transportation, food and hospitality.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by performances from popular local musicians who thrilled attendees with a mix of old and contemporary tunes.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival remains one of the oldest cultural traditions on Lagos Island, rooted in the legacy of Afro-Brazilian returnees, formerly enslaved Africans who returned from Brazil in the late 19th century.
Supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Brazilian Descendants Association, the carnival continues to be revived as a celebration of Lagos’ cultural memory and identity.
