Lagos Erupts in Color: Centuries-Old Afro-Brazilian Carnival Returns

The Fanti Carnival filled the streets of Lagos with music and vibrant costumes on Monday. This annual event celebrates a unique historical link. It honors the legacy of formerly enslaved Brazilians who returned to West Africa in the 19th century. Participants, known as "Fanti," wore elaborate, feathered outfits. They paraded through the city's Campos Square area. The carnival highlights a blend of Brazilian and local Yoruba traditions. This cultural fusion dates back nearly 200 years. The celebration is a key date in Lagos's cultural calendar. It showcases a living piece of shared Atlantic history.