Lagos Island erupted in a spectacular display of colour, music, and cultural heritage as the 2025 Fanti Carnival transformed the streets into a vibrant celebration of the city’s rich Afro-Brazilian legacy on Easter Sunday.
The carnival, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Aguda people—descendants of Brazilian returnees who brought with them a unique cultural fusion—delivered an unforgettable spectacle that honoured history while embracing contemporary expression.
“This isn’t just a parade—it’s our living history,” said community elder Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, whose family has participated in the carnival for four generations. “Every sequin, every drumbeat connects us to our ancestors who returned from Brazil with these traditions.”
The day began with an air of anticipation as seven distinct communities embarked on processions from their neighbourhoods to King’s College, the ceremonial gathering point. Each group proudly displayed their community colours and elaborate handcrafted costumes that had been in preparation for months.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu officially launched the festivities, accompanied by several notable figure,s including politician Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, actor Desmond Elliot, and Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold, underscoring the carnival’s significance to Lagos’ cultural identity.
“The Fanti Carnival represents the best of Lagos—our diversity, our resilience, and our joy,” Governor Sanwo-Olu remarked during the opening ceremony. “This tradition bridges our past and future, showing how cultural preservation drives tourism and community pride.”
The Official Community Procession proved to be the day’s highlight, with each group showcasing their distinctive heritage:
Isale-Eko Woro moved with dignified grace in their green and white ensembles, while Olowogbowo Fancy captivated onlookers with their yellow and white outfits and perfectly synchronized choreography. Okoo-Faji brought youthful energy with their blue, red, and white costumes, complemented by athletic dance moves that drew thunderous applause.
Lafiaji’s red and white contingent carried flags with historic symbols, and Okepopo displayed disciplined precision in green and white. The Epetedo United Youth Movement brought innovative modern elements to traditional forms with their blue and white presentation, while the Brazilian Campos Carreta honored their direct Brazilian lineage with distinctive green and yellow regalia featuring Portuguese-influenced designs.
“Each community brings something unique,” explained cultural historian Dr. Folashade Adebayo. “What you’re witnessing is a complex tapestry of Yoruba spirituality, Catholic traditions, samba rhythms, and masquerade culture that developed through generations of cultural exchange.”
The procession wound its way from King’s College through Catholic Mission Street to the Remembrance Arcade, where participants and spectators explored the Afro-Brazilian Heritage Exhibition. This thoughtful addition to the festival showcased historical artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays documenting the unique cultural journey of Lagos Island’s Aguda community.
The Faith Band provided energetic musical interludes between community performances, fusing traditional carnival rhythms with contemporary Lagos sounds. Street vendors offered Brazilian-influenced delicacies alongside Nigerian favorites, creating a culinary experience as diverse as the cultural celebration itself.
As evening approached, the carnival transformed into an open-air celebration where participants and spectators danced together, exchanged stories, and captured countless photographs against the backdrop of Lagos Island’s historic architecture.
“What makes this year’s carnival special is the unprecedented participation of young people,” noted carnival organizer Mrs. Temi Adewale. “We’re seeing a renaissance of interest in these traditions. Young Lagosians are reclaiming their heritage and reimagining it for today’s world.”
Indeed, many participants represented the fourth or fifth generation of their families to participate in the carnival, demonstrating the enduring power of this cultural tradition despite modernization and globalization pressures.
As the sun set over Lagos Island and the final drumbeats echoed through streets lined with colonial-era buildings, the 2025 Fanti Carnival stood as powerful evidence that Lagos’ Afro-Brazilian heritage remains vibrant and relevant—a living bridge between continents, generations, and eras that continues to shape the cultural identity of Africa’s most populous city.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
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