Nice Carnival is among the world’s largest, most significant, and oldest carnivals. On the French Riviera, millions of people enjoy Carnival for 12 days. The Carnaval de Nice, one of the world’s most famous carnivals, is a mega-event enjoyed by the residents of Nice and visitors of all ages from all over the world every year on the Côte d’Azur. The Carnival features both daytime and lit nighttime festivities and 17 unique floats that represent the chosen subject.
This essential guide will help you with all information about Nice Carnival.
Why Is Nice Carnival Celebrated And Its History?
The origins of the Carnaval de Nice can be traced back to 1294. The residents of Nice would rejoice before fasting for Lent by attending masquerades and indulging in delicious meals. The celebrations are involved hiding behind masks and costumes to mock everything and everyone.
With “Ymagiers,” an organized production and paying stalls, the first parade was held in 1873. The first Flower Parade, also known as the Bataille de Fleurs (Battle of Flowers), occurred only three years later. Even though the Nice Carnival has evolved through time, it still retains parts of its original grandeur, enormous head structure, and oddity.
Every year, a new theme is introduced to the modern Carnival. The topic for 2015 was King of Music, while the theme for 2016 was King of Media.
Carnaval De Nice Theme
The Carnaval de Nice has a central theme throughout the event. Floats are frequently tied to current political events or other related scenarios. The parades start in Place Massena and go all the way around town.
The floats that take part in this parade are the same ones in the evening parades. They’re covered in hundreds of blooms and seem very different during the day than they do at night.
Because artists throw flowers to the crowd, the Parade of Flowers is known as the Battle of Flowers. However, it has no military overtones! The Parade of Flowers tradition originated when Andriot Saetone, the originator of the modern-day Nice Carnival, decided it would be nice to thank the audience with flowers. It took on, though, and now it celebrates the wide variety of lovely flowers grown in the Nice region, as well as people who nurture them. Over 80% of the flowers used in the procession come from this region’s flower growers!
Morning:
In the morning you get to be chauffeured from the airport to your accommodation, a charming small Belle-Epoque mansion, in a 1930s sedan automobile! Then heading into the heart of the ancient city for a photoshoot, you uncover the hidden gems of this lovely neighborhood. Determine the pulse of this city, which is appropriately situated between its historical heritage and modernity. At the Flower Market on Cours Saleya, you can immortalize the gardeners’ booths.
You can enjoy the lunch on the Promenade des Anglais at a café terrace. Only a few yards from the Mediterranean Sea, the view is breathtaking. Lunch on the Promenade des Anglais at a café terrace.
Afternoon:
The Flower Parade is the time for the gentlest of conflicts. This parade is a procession of delectable plant and flower displays, with the same concept as the Carnival floats. Sit back in your allocated seats and enjoy the seductive allure of the French Riviera’s most gorgeous females in their stunning costumes.
Evening:
After supper, sweet coffee and a little glass of Marc de Provence brandy, and you’re ready for a night of merriment. Before supper, put on the disguise you’ve chosen and partake in the legendary Parade of Lights. Laughter and a riot of colors are assured! In a piano bar, a pub, or a disco, you may extend your evening!
Where Is Nice Carnival Held?
The Carnival Parades and the Light Parades take place in the vicinity of Place Masséna. On the Promenade des Anglais, the Flower Parades take place. These places are in the city’s heart, close to Old Town. It’s simple to discover the spots as visitors; look for the bleachers! A map of the parade’s sites is available online at the Tourism Office.
When Is Nice Carnival Held?
Each year, Carnaval Nice takes place in the middle of February in France. The Nice Carnival 2022 will take place from February 11 to February 27. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the most common days for events. The weekdays are a little less congested than the weekends.
Nice Carnival 2022 Covid
On Tuesday, January 4, the mayor, Christian Estrosi, verified this. “It’s possible that the situation may improve in February.” Nothing, especially in boosting the local economy, could justify cancellation,” the mayor remarked. The Carnival will take place from February 11 to February 27.
The town of Menton also released a press statement on Tuesday, stating that the festival’s parades and gardens of lights had been canceled to minimize excessive crowds.
The Bottom Line
Although The Carnaval de Nice has implemented additional security measures, it is still fun. Although bags are not prohibited, they are not suggested because they might add time to your admission into the parade area.
I hope through this article, you have got all the information about Nice Carnival required for attending.