LAGOS — The vibrant spirit of Lagos Island is set to come alive this Sunday as the city hosts the Lagos Fanti Carnival, also known as Popo Aguda, in celebration of its rich Afro-Brazilian heritage.
The event will hold at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, from 10:00 a.m., bringing together generations of Lagosians and Brazilian descendants in a colourful fusion of culture, history, and festivity.
At a press briefing held at the Brazilian Consulate in Victoria Island on Saturday, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the carnival as a “living story of resilience, return, and rich culture” that continues to thrive within Lagos Island’s historic quarters.
“This is not just about announcing an event,” Benson-Awoyinka said. “We are here to celebrate a heritage — one that bridges continents, tells stories of migration, and continues to shape the identity of our people.”
The Lagos Fanti Carnival, whose name derives from the Portuguese word fantasia meaning masquerade or costume, was once a major cultural affair. However, modern life and urbanisation gradually led to dwindling participation and a fading tradition.
“We began to see fewer parades, less involvement from the youth, and a slow erosion of what used to be a significant cultural celebration,” the commissioner lamented.
In a bid to revive this iconic festival, the Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Brazilian Descendants Association (BDA) and emerging creatives, is reimagining the carnival as a dynamic platform that not only honours the past but also speaks to the present.
Quoting Lagos State Attorney-General and Brazilian descendant Lawal Pedro, the commissioner noted, “The Lagos Fanti Carnival is not just a reenactment of the past. It is a reimagined celebration of who we are today. It’s about keeping our history alive through joy, music, and community.”
This year’s edition will feature vibrant street parades, live storytelling sessions, fashion showcases, and intergenerational musical and dance performances.
It also aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, focusing on tourism development, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and community revitalisation.
Benson-Awoyinka praised the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos for its collaboration, describing the partnership as a “cultural bridge” reconnecting Lagos with its historical ties to Brazil. “Every drumbeat, every costume, every procession is a reminder that our history is not buried. It lives in our celebrations,” she said.
Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Manuel Innocencio de Lacerda Santos Jr, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the deep cultural and historical connections between the two nations.
“The Brazil-Nigeria relationship is not just about our shared past, it is a promise for the future — a future built on mutual respect, shared values, and collaborative progress,” he said.
He noted that Brazil hosts the largest population of African descendants outside Africa, many of whom trace their ancestry to Nigeria. The influence of Nigerian cultures — especially Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo — is strongly visible in Brazil’s food, music, and religious traditions.
“Acarajé, vatapá, and caruru are just a few examples of Brazilian dishes with Nigerian roots,” he added, explaining that acarajé stems from the Yoruba words akara (bean cake) and jẹ (to eat).
As Lagos prepares to welcome locals and tourists alike, the Fanti Carnival stands as a testament to enduring cultural ties, vibrant heritage, and the power of celebration to unite communities across oceans.
