Nice is also a winter resort capital and hosts one of the World’s biggest and most happening carnival events, the Nice Carnival. It is the most important winter event on the Cote d’Azur and spans two weeks of fun and entertainment that are enjoyable for people belonging to all age groups! The biggest winter event of the French Riviera lights up the city of Nice with parades happening round the clock.
It is also around time of the Nice Carnival, when the weather is suited to a private walking tour Nice. Thus this is the best time to see and experience the city.
History
The Nice Carnival dates back to 1294 when Charles of Anjou, the Count of Provence, recalls his trip to Nice on “The joyous days of Carnival”. Since then, weeks’ worth of festivities and celebrations have lit up the city of Nice, making it a magical place. In 1873, a Festival Committee was established, it was responsible for organising the carnival and entertainment. That year, a procession of floats, paying stands and a structured staging was present in the 1873 carnival. Following this, in the year 1971, the modern carnival was born that featured magnificent floats based on contemporary events. The paraded floats were painted on by artists who combined modern and traditional themes. The brilliant floats paraded through the streets. The vividly coloured floats that were novel and different were so well-received that they were adopted as a custom in 1873. Following the unveiling of the imaginative floats, the Flower Parade was unveiled. The initial small, sweet flower exchange has blossomed into a massive floral parade. Everywhere you look, a shower of flowers of all kinds and sizes fills the entire city with their perfume-like fragrance.
Main Events
Every year in February or March, the contemporary-themed Nice Carnival is held. The 2024 theme, King of Pop Culture, will commemorate influential manga, video games, and television shows. In contrast, it was King of the Treasures of the World in 2023. Floats were presented to the spectators of the King and Queen, and notable luminaries were honoured in the King of the World Treasure themed carnival. Thousands of enthusiasts go to France to attend the successful and magnificent main winter festival, where the Nicoise populace welcomes them with open arms and a wide smile.
The Parade of Flowers and The Carnival Parade are the primary carnival activities. Although the route of the funfair varies, it typically takes place on Place Massena and in the vicinity of Jardin Albert 1 Gardens. It consists of a day parade and a night parade featuring back-to-back performances by different musicians and dancers, as well as burlesque floats with intricate details and pop culture references to make them even more glamorous. As confetti pours and the inflatable figures move to the beat of trendy music, onlookers get treated to a spectacular display of inflated figurines. In the flower parade, participants showcase the local flora that is in bloom before scattering them onto the crowd and causing a floral shower. The floral parade also features smaller floats than the Carnival Parade, but significantly more beautiful, attributable to the beautiful flowers that adorn them.
The fifteen-day event is the major event on the Cote d’Azur and illuminates the city of Nice and leaves the general populace in a festive mood. Typically, the first event to occur is the anniversary parade. It is followed by several flower parades scheduled over the next two weeks. Every year, a guest of honour gets celebrated. In 2023, it was the Carnival of Rio, which meant lots of sparkles and extravagantly feathered costumes!
Initially, the Nice Carnival was open to all. The City of Nice participated in the festivities with furore. But up until recent times, it has become somewhat of a more exclusive event with a ticket. For those deterred by the cost of the tickets, it’s a delightful fact that anyone who attends the Carnival Corsi and spectacular Corso and dresses in brilliant and sparkling costumes will receive free tickets to the exclusive and spectacular Nice Carnival. It tries to include everyone and makes dressing up for the main winter event necessary!
Nevertheless, it is a must-attend event that will guarantee you start your year with the much-needed optimism!
Lou Queernaval
Nice is also known to host Lou Queernaval, the first gay carnival in France! Dating back to 2015, Nice introduced Lou Queernaval to be more accepting of the LGBTQ community. It is free of cost and open to all attendees. Featuring performances by Drag Queens and beautifully dressed performers, the Queernaval brings together the community in general and sends out the message of inclusivity, love, acceptance and kindness. The wholesome event is celebrated and attended by people from all over France who celebrate together and rejoice in the changes in society while adding a bit of zing and sparkle!
Closing Ceremony
The final day of the two weeks of festivities, celebrations, and jolliness is the closing ceremony. On the final day, the King is customarily cremated, capping off the Winter Gala with a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the night sky and a grand party for everyone.
Nice Carnival Village
Located in the heart of Nice on Coulee Verte, the Carnival Village is set up that remains for the duration of the two festive weeks. The Carnival Village includes fun activities for different age groups. Fun animation, lively entertainment and delicious food vendors are always a part of the Nice Carnival and are open for all to attend, free of charge, making it a pleasurable experience for everyone. This makes the Nice Carnival an enjoyable activity for all attendees, even if they’re not attending the parade. The Village is open from 11 AM to 6 PM and gives room for artists to proudly showcase animations and their work in progress. The stalls include activities, shows and games that cater to all age groups and are a must-attend for all.
For all those who enjoy the weeks-long worth of activities and festivities, the Winter Carnival is just the right start to your amazing new year! Start off your year the right way, attend the Nice’s Carnival!