Nice Carnival: An International Reference

02 Apr 2013

Nice Carnival is a major event on the Côte d’Azur in winter. One of the biggest carnivals in the world, it attracts over a million spectators and takes over the entire city for nearly three weeks of magical celebrations.

Age-old know-how

Nice is the birthplace of French carnivals. Indeed, it was in this city that the first Corso Carnavalesque (carnival parade made up of floats) took place in the 13th century. Since then, Nice Carnival has earned its reputation over the centuries thanks to its magnificent performances and is now one of the most famous carnivals in the world.

In 1873, Nice began using decorative staging, float processions and stands for the spectators. It was then that Nice Carnival entered the modern era.

Theme for 2013: “King of the five continents”

This year, Nice is celebrating the 140-year anniversary of its carnival taking on its modern form, which is namely its current form. The theme for 2013 is "King of the five continents", which aims to emphasise the city's vocation of universality. It constitutes an invitation for carnival goers to travel through time and space and to let their imagination run wild, with the same goal as every year: to take them on a discovery of the history of Nice, its nature and its amazing cultural diversity.

Two not-to-be-missed events: the Corso Carnavalesque (carnival parade) and the Bataille de Fleurs (flower parade)

18 allegorical and burlesque-style floats will parade on the Place Masséna accompanied by entertainment, street arts and international bands. These Corsi Carnavalesques (carnival parades) will take place night and day and will be brought to life by more than 1,000 musicians and dancers from all over the world!

Visitors should definitely not miss the “Batailles de Fleurs” (flower parades), which have lit up the legendary Promenade des Anglais every year for more than a century. People dressed in extravagant costumes made especially for the occasion will throw mimosas, gerberas and lilies into the crowd from floats decorated with the most beautiful floral arrangements… This new Nice Carnival programme promises scents, colours and, as usual, unforgettable memories, while highlighting the region's floral heritage.

The guest of honour: La Francophonie (the French-speaking world)   

The Nice Carnival will welcome a guest of honour: the French-speaking world. With the 2013 Jeux de la Francophonie (Francophone Games) taking place in the city, it was only right that Nice give it this honour. From 6th to 15th September, more than 75 countries represented by 3,000 athletes and united by the French language will gather to celebrate the arts and sport.

Visit the Nice Carnival, apply for a French Tourist Visa now. Call on 1800 103 1555 for more information.

Source: http://www.france.fr/en/celebrations-and-festivals/nice-carnival-international-reference?back=%2Fen%2Fen-search%2Fen-content%2F%3Ffilters%3Dstatus%253A1%2520language%253Aen%2520tid%253A16533