By Lukman Olabiyi

The streets of Lagos Island pulsed with colour, music and energy of a people reconnecting with their roots as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu danced alongside ecstatic residents in a heartwarming celebration of the long-awaited return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival. For many in the crowd, the moment was more than a spectacle, it was a homecoming.

 

 

Standing shoulder to shoulder, families, elders, children in vibrant costumes, and samba-inspired drummers revived a legacy that had been sleeping in history books and the memories of old-timers.

The event was made possible through the support of the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos Island, to rejuvenate the historical narratives of the Afro-Brazilian returnees.

The colourful parade drew crowds of residents, tourists, cultural troupes, and community leaders, all united in celebrating a tradition steeped in rhythm, pride, and ancestral legacy.

This year’s edition, themed “Heritage and Unity,” shows the cultural preservation and community cohesion in Lagos State.

The carnival was a dazzling fusion of Afro-Brazilian heritage and local flavor, paid homage to the returnees from Brazil in the 1800s, families who brought back music, costumes, architecture, and stories that have since shaped Lagos Island’s identity.

The streets came alive with color and sound. Children danced beside elders, generations bridging the past and present.

The grand parade swept through Marina with elaborate floats, masquerade performers, and samba-inspired ensembles.

Three cultural showcases stood out: an Afro-Brazilian Food Showcase serving family recipes passed down for generations; a Heritage Art Exhibition that turned back time through sculpture and painting; and of course, the electric grand parade

Governor Sanwo-Olu who was visibly moved, didn’t just observed the festivities, but became part of them.

According to him,“It wasn’t just a celebration. It was a powerful reconnection to our roots, a revival of a cultural legacy that has shaped who we are.”

Sanwo-Olu, who attended the event alongside his wife, Mrs.Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, and other members of his cabinet, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to community-led cultural events that drive economic activity and foster social harmony.

He described the event as a celebration of who we are, “a people bound by history and strengthened by diversity.”

With a sweeping smile and the rhythm of the drums guiding his steps, the governor mingled with the crowd, tasted delicacies at the Afro-Brazilian Food Fair, and took in the bold expressions at the Heritage Art Exhibition.

But the highlight, for many, was the grand parade, a kaleidoscope of traditional masquerades, dancers, and drummers moving through the heart of the city, carrying with them the echoes of a century-old story.

The fanti carnival’s origins trace back to the 1800s, when Afro-Brazilian returnees brought samba beats, ornate costumes, and a unique architectural flair that would come to shape the identity of Lagos Island. It’s this blend of cultures that today’s carnival seeks to honour and reclaim.

“Today, Lagos Island became more than a location—it became a living canvas of our shared history. We saw unity in motion, joy that crossed generations, and a deep pride in who we are as Lagosians,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stated that the carnival’s revival is a triumph of identity and resilience.

She said:“The fanti carnival is more than a festival, it is a living memory of our Afro-Brazilian roots and a showcase of the cultural richness that defines us as Lagosians. The ministry remains committed to initiatives that strengthen social ties, promote tourism, and keep our heritage alive.”

The lively procession kicked off from Remembrance Arcade,  through Old Defence Road, TBS Arena, J. Randle Road, Onikan Roundabout, Military Street, and Catholic Mission Street with parade of colours, music, and dance.

There were performances by Afro-Brazilian descendants adorned in glittering regalia, expressing their stories through dance and music that captured the themes of resilience, migration, and cultural fusion.

Among the crowd was 67-year-old Madam  Bola Fahm, who hadn’t missed a single Fanti Carnival since her teenage years.

“I remember watching my father dance in this very parade,” she said,her eyes shining. “To see it return, and with this kind of love, it fills my heart.”

“This isn’t just about tradition—it’s about pride,” said Ayo, a 24-year-old dancer from a local troupe. “It’s about showing the world who we are.”

Mrs Lawal, who hadn’t seen the carnival since she was a child, said: “My grandmother used to take me to watch the parades. I never thought I would see it again in my lifetime.”

Children waved flags and danced to rhythms passed down through generations, while artisans proudly displayed crafts that spoke of their ancestry.

From every corner of Lagos Island, the message was clear: the Fanti Carnival is not just back, it’s reborn.

As the sun set over the island, the streets still throbbed with drumbeats and laughter. In a city often defined by its hustle, the day reminded Lagosians of something quieter yet just as powerful, the enduring heartbeat of their culture.

With the renewed support of the Lagos State Government, the Fanti Carnival is set to reclaim its place as a key cultural event, not just as a celebration, but as a reminder that culture is a living, breathing force for unity, education, and sustainable development.