The Carnival of Nice starts next month

It is one of the most-recognised carnivals worldwide

Nice is getting ready for its traditional carnival, starting on 15^th February. The Carnival of Nice, an annual event on the French Riviera with almost 150 years of history, is arguably the most important in France and one of the most popular of its kind in the world. As usual, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to gather in Nice for this year’s edition.

Carnival of Nice programme in brief

The 2020 programme will take place under the “King of Fashion” topic between 15^th and 29^th February. Three main events are set to attract visitors for two weeks full of colour, music and fun. For the Carnival Parades 17 floats decorated on a cinema theme will follow the rhythm of street art and musical bands, starting from Place Masséna. Their night version – the Carnival Parade of Lights takes place on Saturdays and Tuesdays and promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Finally, the Flower Parades will offer a unique show – each year costumed models parade on flower-covered floats and throw a hail of flowers to the spectators. As many as 100 000 flowers (most of which grown locally) will be offered to the enthusiastic crowd.

Nice carnival and benefits for the city

The local government of Nice, which is the principal partner of the event, takes pride in the positive upshot of the Carnival for the city and the local economy. According to the event’s website, the 2019 edition brought 30 million euros in economic benefits, 1 800 jobs, and enhanced attractiveness of the destination of Nice.

The origins of the modern version of the Nice Carnival go as far back as 1873 when the first edition took place, again in February. Over the decades, it has been growing in popularity, with the exception of the periods of the two World Wars and the Gulf War. 

Find out more about the event and purchase your ticket from the Carnival of Nice website.

UPDATE 26 Feb 2020: The Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi cancelled the last carnival day as a prevention related to the coronavirus outbrake.