Nice Carnival

Starting in 1873, the modern day Nice Carnival is the major winter festival in Nice and the French Riviera. The word carnival means "away with meat" and The tradition of fasting or living on a restrictive diet during Lent dates back many centuries. And in fact the tradition of giant Lenten street parties with revellers wearing enormous masks dates back to the middle ages in Nice too(earliest records date back to 1294). The partying was in danger of dying out around two centuries ago as masked balls looked set to become the trendy and more genteel alternative to the raucous street parties. And worse still, under Napoleon the festivities were banned altogether!

Fortunately, in 1873 the Nice "carnaval" was officially resurrected.

Today Nice's Carnival is a wonderful celebration, characterized by the Battle of the Flowers (Batailles de Fleurs). 20 huge floats drive up and down the sea-front, each with a small team of (often scantily clad) men and young women who through 80-100,000 flowers out to the crowds!

90% of the Carnival de Nice flowers are grown locally: gladioli, tokyos, mimosa, gerberas, roses, carnations and daisies.

There are hundreds of other costumed people in the procession - including the traditional giant head costumes!

By night the flower laden floats give way to spectacular illuminations and on the last night an incredible fireworks display.

Official Nice Carnival Website

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