Nice Carnival

A Millennial Carnival Structured Since 1873

The origins of the Nice Carnival date back to the Middle Ages: the first official mention dates from 1294, when Count Charles II of Anjou of Provence mentioned the "joyful days of carnival". But it was in 1873 that Nice native Andriot Saëtone founded the Festival Committee and transformed popular festivities into a true organized spectacle. On February 23, 1873, Carnival I entered the city, inaugurating a tradition that has not been interrupted since. The artist Alexis Mossa then imagined the King of Carnival, His Majesty Carnival and his court, creating the visual identity that endures to this day.

Carnival Parades and Flower Battles

The Nice Carnival unfolds over two weeks (and three weekends) in February-March, structured around two types of parades. The carnival parades, daytime and nighttime, feature monumental floats over ten meters high, created by Nice carnival artists in municipal workshops, accompanied by artistic troupes and musical groups from around the world. The flower battles, a tradition born in 1876, feature flower-adorned floats parading along the Promenade des Anglais while "flower throwers" launch thousands of fresh flowers to the public.

2024 Edition: The King of Pop Culture

The 151st edition of the Nice Carnival took place from February 17 to March 3, 2024, on the theme "The King of Pop Culture". The monumental floats paid tribute to icons of popular culture – cinema, music, comics, video games – in a colorful and festive parade. Daytime parades on Place Masséna, illuminated evening parades, and flower battles on the Promenade des Anglais punctuated two weeks of festivities, attracting over a million visitors.

2025 Edition: The King of the Oceans

The 152nd edition, from February 12 to March 2, 2025, had the theme "The King of the Oceans". Nice highlighted the beauties of the marine world while raising awareness about the preservation of oceanic ecosystems. The Grand Charivari opened the festivities on February 12 in the Riquier district, followed by La Carnavalina on February 15, a grand popular day with entertainment, parades, and free flower distribution. The monumental floats, inspired by marine creatures and ocean depths, paraded on Place Masséna.

2026 Edition: Long Live the Queen!

The 153rd edition takes place from February 11 to March 1, 2026, under the revolutionary theme "Long Live the Queen!". For the first time, the Carnival celebrates Her Majesty the Queen, in an edition that shakes up codes and traditions. Illuminated parades take place at 8:30 PM on Place Masséna, flower battles at 2:30 PM on the Promenade des Anglais. The closing is scheduled for March 1 with the cremation of the King and a final fireworks display at 10:45 PM on Centenaire beach.