The Lagos State Government has announced that the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival will take place on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square. The event promises a vibrant celebration of culture, music, dance, and history, showcasing the rich Afro-Brazilian heritage of Lagos.
Speaking at a press conference, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, emphasized the carnival’s role in promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and boosting the local economy. The carnival also provides a platform for creativity, community participation, and global visibility for Lagos as Africa’s leading cultural destination.
The event will feature elaborate costumes, rhythmic music, brass bands, floats, culinary exhibitions, and performances from seven community troupes, including Isale-Eko Woro Carnival Association, Brazilian Campos Carreta Carnival Association, and Okoo-Faji Carnival Association. Special highlights include awards for Best Dressed and Best Performing Community.
The carnival traces its roots to the 19th-century return of formerly enslaved Brazilians to Lagos, whose cultural influences shaped the festival’s signature costumes, music, and traditions. In addition, the celebration will coincide with the Afro-Brazilian Economic and Cultural Exchange Summit, promoting investment partnerships and tourism between Nigeria and Brazil.
Authorities, including the Nigerian Police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos Waste Management Authority, and Lagos State Ambulance Service, are coordinating to ensure safety, waste management, and traffic control. Organizers expect over 40,000 participants and visitors.
The 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival aims to celebrate Lagos’ vibrant cultural identity, connect generations, empower local creatives, and strengthen the city’s position as a hub for arts, culture, and tourism.
