A historic cultural movement is taking shape this September as Motherland Beckons IPADA Initiatives, in partnership with the FESTAC Africa Festival 2025, launches the first-ever Cross-Border Carnival Procession—a vibrant road show uniting Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana through music, dance, and African heritage.
Scheduled for September 18 and 19, the carnival will commence in Lagos, moving through Cotonou (Benin Republic) and Lomé (Togo), before culminating in Accra, Ghana, where a grand welcome party and festival of African arts will be held.
Themed “Carnival for the Unity of African People,” the procession is expected to become a milestone event in Africa’s cultural calendar. “It is indeed going to be an epoch-making event, and everyone is invited,” the organisers announced.
While the main FESTAC Africa Festival 2025 will be held from September 21 to 27 in Accra, the carnival procession from Lagos is open exclusively to participants aged 18 to 70. According to organisers, this unique event promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Africa’s beauty, rhythm, and connectivity on the road.
Celebrating African Unity on the Road
The cross-border cultural tour will feature flatbed trucks, comfortable air-conditioned buses, live music, drumming, traditional dance, vibrant costumes, and delicious local cuisines at key rest points in Cotonou, Lomé, and Accra. Musicians, dancers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the continent are encouraged to join the parade along the route.
“It is definitely going to be the biggest road show and cultural festival with a cross-border carnival that will elucidate trans-border interactions, intercultural exchange, and celebration of life,” the organisers stated.
Participants are also welcome to join with personal cars by paying a nominal fee. After the festivities, tourists on the carnival train may return to Lagos by road or air.
Biker Clubs Join the Movement
Adding to the excitement, the B.A.D Gang (Bikers with Attitude and Determination), Africa’s largest biking club, will join the colourful train, accompanied by Ace Bikers, Metallic Bullridez, Alimosho Biking Club, and the Loud Night Biking Club. Their participation underscores the procession’s commitment to promoting Pan-African tourism and creative arts.
“Come dance to African beats and music. Come see what makes Africa tick and different,” the organisers urged.
Honouring the Legacy of FESTAC
FESTAC, which stands for the Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture, was first held in Dakar, Senegal in 1966, and later in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977 (FESTAC ’77). The 1977 event showcased African literature, music, art, theatre, and led to the establishment of lasting institutions like the Nigerian National Council for Arts and Culture, Festac Village, and the National Theatre in Lagos.
This year’s procession is designed to honour that legacy while charting a new course for pan-African celebration through cross-border cultural tourism.
“FESTAC celebration has never been this good,” organisers enthused.
“It is time to experiment and experience Africa like never before!”
