Eyo Masquerades Return to Lagos Streets as 2025 Festival Commences

Lagos came alive on Saturday as the historic Eyo Festival made its long-awaited return, drawing large crowds to Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) for the opening of the 2025 celebrations.

The cultural spectacle, also referred to as the Adamu Orisha Play, featured colourful processions of traditional masquerades, with locals and tourists gathering early to witness the iconic display that marks one of Lagos’ most revered heritage events.

Renowned for its striking white costumes, symbolic staffs and rhythmic chants, the Eyo Festival reflects deep-rooted Yoruba customs and rituals. The masquerades, known as Eyos, moved through designated routes, performing dances that highlight centuries-old traditions unique to Lagos.

The festival, which had not been held since 2017, is regarded as a major cultural landmark and remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated indigenous events, reinforcing Lagos’ status as a centre of rich cultural heritage.