by Isi Esene

Carnivals around the world convey the image of fanfare, exotically costumed fun-seekers and all measure of excitement. From the Rio Carnival in Brazil to the Notting Hill Carnival in the United Kingdom, and several others in the West Indies, carnivals continue to evolve a unique identity, style and theme which its connoisseurs have come to love and admire.

The image of ladies on the streets dancing to the rhythm of Caribbean or South American Samba music doesn’t fail to attract the interest of tourists all over the world. Its capacity to attract foreign exchange is also a reason organisers of these carnivals try to outdo each other in colour, creativity, innovation, and culturally relevant themes.

In Nigeria, the street procession of masquerades and its attending infusion  of traditional fetish practices which was a turn-off for majority of youth has given way to well-organised, mostly government supported, merry-making not unlike what is seen in Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Calabar Carnival in Cross River State; the Abuja Carnival, and the Lagos Carnival which started in the past decade have continued to draw its crowd becoming a yearly fixture in the calendar of those who put a premium on leisure and its recreational benefits.

It is not uncommon nowadays to see foreigners and Africans in the diaspora showing interest in Nigerian Carnivals and taking the advantage to understand the culture, tradition, history and people of the West African country.

John Effiok, a medical practitioner who I met on a flight last year said he has heard a lot about Nigerian carnivals and he takes it has his cue to explore business and leisure opportunities in the country after being away for so long.

“I have heard a lot about the carnival, how well organised they are, and its potential to attract commerce into this part of the continent. This is the only chance I have to explore business opportunities in the country and there’s no better way than to mix business with pleasure and make the most of it,” he said.

The Lagos Carnival is a celebration of style, exquisite colours and creativity with over 12,000 youth and adults alike beautifully costumed parading the streets of Ikoyi and Lagos Island with the grand parade at the Tafawa Balewa Square.

The 2012 carnival tagged, ‘Eko for Show’, showcased a spectacular display of magnificent costumes, designs, and acrobatics.

While giving his remark on the carnival last year, the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola said the carnival, within a short period of time, has grown in stature increasingly attracting spectators each year.

“The Lagos Carnival has grown in its three years of existence by reinventing itself and drawing more participants and spectators each year.

“It has become a vehicle through which the creativity of designers and resourcefulness of the young men and women of the Lagos State Skills Acquisition Centres, in which all the costumes are produced, are exhibited,” he added.

Holding on Easter Monday, April 1, this year’s carnival is, as usual, part of activities of the week-long Lagos Heritage Week aimed at taking the people back to their roots by taking part in history in an atmosphere of fun and celebration.

The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Bring Back Brazil’, aims to rediscover the cultural nexus between the people of the Centre of Excellence and that of the South American country, Brazil.

With a boat regatta and a road show which promises to be richly spiced with colourful performances, the Lagos Carnival will bring back the cutting edge Lagosians have been known for the world over. Little wonder governor Fashola could not hide his excitement during the last carnival when he said, “The traditional pride and dignity characteristic of Lagosians of old is back in our daily expressions and aspirations, we are expressing who we are naturally – an industrious people; full of pride and confidence.”

Clearly no one can fault his assertion on this, the Lagos Carnival has come to stay and it can only get bigger year after year.