The much-anticipated Lagos Fanti Carnival 2026 is scheduled to take over the streets of Lagos Island on Monday, April 6, 2026, transforming Nigeria’s commercial capital into a vibrant showcase of Afro-Brazilian heritage and cultural fusion.
The festival, often described as the “Rio of Africa,” will kick off at 10:00 AM, with the grand parade traditionally beginning at the Remembrance Arcade on Old Defence Road and winding its way through historic Lagos Island before culminating at the J.K. Randle Centre.
Also known as the Caretta Carnival, the event honours the legacy of 19th-century Afro-Brazilian returnees who brought with them a rich tapestry of samba rhythms, elaborate costumes, and street performance traditions that have since become integral to Lagos’s cultural identity.
What to Expect
Attendees can look forward to:
Elaborate Parades: Dazzling street processions featuring masquerades adorned with feathers, masks, and glittering regalia.
Music and Dance: High-energy performances blending traditional Nigerian drumming with infectious Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
Heritage Experience: A curated route highlighting Lagos Island’s historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
The carnival’s timing during the Easter season has made it a staple of Lagos’s festival calendar, attracting both local revellers and international tourists eager to experience the city’s unique cultural fusion.
Organisers advise attendees to come prepared with sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and fully charged devices—”every corner turns into a photographer’s dream,” as seasoned carnival-goers note.
For ticketing updates and VIP pass information, the public is encouraged to monitor the official Lagos Fanti Carnival website and Instagram page.
