Nice Carnival

The Nice Carnival (Carnaval de Nice) is one of the biggest carnivals in the world. It will be held every year in February or March, depending on the Christian dates.  The event will attract millions of visitors every year.

Records are showing the carnival in Nice started as early as 1294. From 1873 carnival was not just a celebration but a parade as well. You would see people with masks, satirical displays, and competitions.

Every year the committee will choose a specific theme. Artists will design decorated floats in that theme. Builders will take months to build the floats with papier-mâché and other materials. During the parade, you will see 17 colorful floats surrounded by dancers and musical bands.

There is not only a parade in the daytime but on Saturday and Tuesday, you can enjoy the Carnival Parade of lights. All the floats and musical bands will drive around the city in a parade and light up the city.

If you love flowers you might enjoy the flower parades of the carnival. During the flower parade, you will see floats with hundreds of locally grown flowers with intricate patterns and designs.

Read more about the Nice Carnival, or read our blog about other festivals in France that you can visit. Check our best times to visit France and our full event listing.

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