Nice Carnival
Nice Carnival, one of the most beautiful carnivals in the world!
Colourful
Nice Carnival is the first carnival in France and one of the three most famous and beautiful carnivals in the world after Rio and Venice.
Its international reputation makes the Carnival one of the top events on the Côte d’Azur in winter. Every winter, in February and for 2 weeks of festivities, the Carnival attracts over 1 million visitors!
The sumptuously decorated floats, the colourful costumes, the performances by musicians and artists from France and Europe, these explosions of colour and lively music make the Carnival an unmissable event!
The illuminated carnival Corsi and the Flower Parades are on the programme for this exceptional event.
Nice Carnival ends with the cremation of the king and a great firework display. It represents a real breath of fresh air for the local economy, with its 1,400 direct jobs and 30 million euros in economic spin-offs.
The Mayor of Nice takes advantage of the last carnival parade to announce the theme of the next edition.
If you are looking for a colourful destination, Nice is an excellent option! Also known for its mild climate, its incomparable colours and lights and its art of living, Nice Côte d’Azur is a destination of choice all year round.
AT THE HEART OF THE FESTIVITIES
The Flower Parades 💐
Created in 1876, the Flower Parade was originally a simple exchange of flowers to entertain tourists! Over the years, it has become the elegant parade of the Nice Carnival and the showcase of local production.
Roses, mimosa, carnations, gladioli… 80% of the flowers used are locally produced. More than 4000 stems of fresh flowers are needed to make each float, carefully decorated by hand by the florists of Nice.
Announcement of themes for 2024 and 2025 🎉
On the occasion of the thanks to all the actors of the Nice Carnival 2023, Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Area, Delegate President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, took stock of the 150th anniversary of the event. He also took the opportunity to unveil the theme of the 2024 edition: “King of Pop Culture”.
To echo the United Nations Conference on the Oceans 2025 to be held in Nice, Christian Estrosi also announced the theme of the 2025 edition: “King of the Seas and Oceans.
☞ DID YOU KNOW?
Carnival is a Nice tradition
It was in 1294 that “the joyous days of Carnival” were first mentioned by Charles d’Anjou, Count of Provence, during his visit to the city.
At the request of the municipality, Andriot Saëtone from Nice created the “Comité des fêtes” in 1873 to organize the Carnival and give it a new dimension. The aim was to attract the rich winter visitors who stayed in Nice. The processions of floats then appeared, accompanied by illustrators, stands, masquerades, and above all a stage production directed by Alexis Mossa. The 1st Carnival thus entered the city on 23 February 1873.
In the hands of Alexis Mossa and his son Gustave Adolf, the modern Carnival was born. Until 1971, the event becomes more and more spectacular, relying on contemporary news, the grotesque, and the fabulous. The creative work done on the float models combines modernity and tradition with finesse, which UNESCO will underline by designating it as a tangible intangible heritage.
It was in the 19th century that the Carnival was revealed as we know it today. At that time, Nice became the “capital of the winter holiday” and it was during the stay of the King of Piedmont-Sardinia Charles-Felix that the event was organised on the Cours Saleya, in winter, under the balcony of the palace.
Carnival village
Set up in the heart of Nice on the Promenade du Paillon, the Carnival Village is free and the public can find various artistic animations, creative workshops and food stands for all ages.
Come to the Carnival Village to fully experience the carnival event!
