A massive crowd of fun seekers from all walks of life flooded Tafawa Balewa Square on Monday for the Lagos Fanti Carnival.
It was a vibrant sea of colour, rhythm and excitement. From children and youths to adults and foreign visitors, attendees gathered in high spirits to witness a spectacular fusion of cultural displays, street processions and electrifying live performances.
From the early pre-carnival activities to the final performances late into the evening, the event pulsed with life. Music blared through the air, dancers moved in sync with pounding drums, and brilliantly dressed performers in elaborate costumes brought the carnival grounds to life. The atmosphere was festive and energetic, with every corner offering a new burst of sound, movement and visual splendour.
For many attendees, the event was a memorable first experience. Agbaje Ayo, a brand owner, said he came simply to enjoy himself and was thrilled by the lively atmosphere and the joy on people’s faces. For him, the performances by the guest artistes stood out as the highlight of the day.
Model Itunu Oyedele also described the carnival as an exciting escape from routine. Attending for the first time, she said the event had been fun from the start and expressed her eagerness to return next year, noting that the carnival offered a refreshing and entertaining experience.
Entrepreneur Franky Bassey shared similar excitement, describing the event as lovely and praising the artistes for their captivating performances. Businesswoman Beatrice Adedeji, however, found her greatest delight in the cultural displays by local troupes. She said the traditional performances were deeply enjoyable and had her dancing with abandon, though she admitted the intense sun left her exhausted. Student Devine Agada also enjoyed the musical performances, even if the long day wore him out earlier than expected.
Among the biggest highlights of the carnival were performances by popular Nigerian artistes such as Teni, Niniola, 9ice, Reminisce and Terry Apala, while DJs Hanni and Wandi kept the energy high during the early stages of the event. Niniola, backed by her dance team, delivered a thrilling performance that sent waves of excitement through the audience, while Teni’s appearance drew loud cheers and enthusiastic reactions from the crowd.
Yet beyond the music, the carnival was a vivid expression of identity, heritage and community pride. Cultural groups including the Okepopo Fanti Carnival Association, Okoo-Faji Carnival Association, Brazilian Campos Carreta Carnival Association and Olowogbowo Fancy Carnival Association captivated attendees with traditional displays rich in symbolism and history.
The 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival transformed Lagos Island into a lively tourism hub, attracting both locals and international visitors eager to experience its unique Afro-Brazilian heritage and communal spirit. The celebration reinforced Lagos’ growing reputation as a cultural tourism destination, where history, performance and festivity meet in dramatic fashion.
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The grand procession began at about 2:40 p.m. with the Okepopo Fanti Carnival Association, representing the home community of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Their parade entry, featuring a drum-themed float and horses, set an exhilarating tone for the rest of the event.
Other participating communities included Okoo-Faji Carnival Association, Epetedo United Youth Forum, Isale Eko Woro Carnival Association, Lafiaji Fanti Association, Olowogbowo Fancy Carnival Association and Brazilian Campos Carreta Carnival Association. Each group brought its own distinctive flair, dazzling spectators with floats and performances that reflected the stories, occupations and traditions of their people.
Okoo-Faji drew attention with a float adorned with a canoe, shrines and cultural symbols, while performers in striking red and blue costumes added drama to the display. Epetedo thrilled the audience with skaters waving flags and executing choreographed dance routines in coordinated blue and white attire. Isale Eko paid tribute to its fishing heritage, Lafiaji paraded bold red and white displays, and Olowogbowo kept the crowd energized with nonstop dancing.
Campos Carreta was among the most visually arresting of the groups, earning loud cheers with its extravagant costumes and animal-inspired displays. Dragons, ostriches and peacocks moved through the streets alongside beautifully decorated umbrellas, creating a fantasy-like spectacle that deepened the carnival’s festive charm.
For foreign visitors, the experience was unforgettable. Marion Kibler, a tourist from France, said the carnival exposed her to a kind of cultural celebration she had never seen before. She marvelled at the blending of Brazilian and African influences, the vibrant dancing, and the striking beauty of the colours on display. Another French visitor, Julie Vanoni, said she had come to Nigeria to help her son connect with his Nigerian roots, but found the carnival itself to be a powerful and memorable cultural experience. She said it was fascinating to see different Nigerian communities represented so vividly, adding with a smile that she had also enjoyed eating jollof rice.
For Lagos resident Rosemary Simai, the carnival was an eye-opening experience despite having lived in the state for years. Seeing the explosion of colours, costumes and community pride for the first time left her impressed and eager to attend again. She described the event as a beautiful showcase of Yoruba traditions and local identity, praising it as a well-executed celebration of culture.
In all, the Lagos Fanti Carnival was more than just a festive gathering. It was a vivid cultural statement — a joyous display of history, artistry and belonging, where music met tradition and the streets of Lagos Island became a stage for heritage, pride and unforgettable celebration.
NAN
