From slavery to celebration: Lagos Fanti carnival keeps returnees' legacy alive

Revellers took to the streets of Lagos on Saturday (April 5) for the city's vibrant Fanti carnival, a cultural tradition dating back more than two centuries.

The carnival featured elaborate costumes including dragon performers, Egyptian-themed outfits, and animal costumes depicting bulls, cows and ostriches. Disabled participants also joined the festivities in decorated wheelchairs.

Visitor David Florence praised the event's diversity.

"Amazing, a lot of colour, a lot of different costumes and a lot of culture so it's really nice."

One of the festival facilitator Nicholas Adesile explained the carnival's historical roots in the Olowo Gbowo community.

"This has been part of us which we inherited from our Brazilian visitors at that time and it has been in existence since that time till now and in Lagos island it has also been in all communities where the Brazilian deportees or returnees were settled."

The celebration brought together participants of all ages dancing through the streets, with student Daniella Adesile describing the experience as "really nice."

Nigerian musician 9ice performed on stage as crowds sang along, adding to the festive atmosphere.

-Kazeem Sanni/Reuters