Nice no longer needs an introduction; it is known worldwide for its beaches, sunshine, blue sky, palm trees, and, of course, its carnival.
Every year in February, Nice hosts its most anticipated winter event: the Carnival! For just over two weeks, the city comes alive with confetti and marching bands.
The Nice Carnival: A Centuries-Old Tradition
The first mentions of the carnival date back to the 13th century, when the Count of Provence used to celebrate the carnival in Nice. Later, in 1873, a festival committee was created to turn the event into a true spectacle and an annual tradition. What started as a modest celebration has, over the years, become an internationally recognized and highly organized event, attracting tourists from all over the world.
The Nice Carnival: Among the World’s Largest Carnivals
Over time, the Nice Carnival has grown exponentially and is now ranked among the top five carnivals in the world.
A Different Carnival Every Year
Each year, the Nice Carnival has a different theme.
- In 2024, the theme was “The King of Pop Culture.”
- In 2025, the theme will be “The King of the Oceans.”
The 2025 Carnival will start on Wednesday, February 12, and will run until Sunday, March 2.
A Packed Program
For two weeks, Nice will vibrate to the rhythm of the carnival.
The main events spectators can attend include:
- The Daytime Carnival Parade
- The Nighttime Carnival Parade (mainly on Saturdays and Tuesdays)
- The Flower Battles (on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons)
These festivities take place in the city center, mainly around Place Masséna and along the Quai des États-Unis, near the sea.
According to the organizers, attendees can watch from seated grandstands or standing promenade areas.
In recent years, the Nice Carnival has also introduced a gay-friendly night event called Lou Queernaval, an inclusive and festive celebration open to all. In 2025, this event will take place on Friday, February 28 in the evening.
The carnival will conclude on March 2, 2025, with the traditional burning of the King of the Oceans on the Quai des États-Unis, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Mediterranean Sea, visible from the Promenade des Anglais.
Throughout the carnival, the King and Queen’s float remains on permanent display at Place Masséna.
Is the Nice Carnival Free?
Yes… and no. All official events require tickets. Many locals regret this, as they remember when parts of the Nice Carnival were free during their childhood. Some feel that the carnival has lost some of its traditionally popular and festive atmosphere.
However, it is still possible to attend the carnival for free! The only condition? You must be in full costume—whether you’re a child or an adult. So, get creative with your outfits!
Beyond the official festivities, the entire city celebrates the carnival. Some neighborhoods in Nice organize local street parties, and every school holds its own mini carnival for children.
A Parade of Unique, Colorful, and Flower-Covered Floats
Each parade features around ten elaborately designed floats. These floats are handcrafted by families of “Carnavaliers,” some of whom have been in the profession for generations.
Each year, the floats are destroyed and rebuilt from scratch, based on the chosen theme. They are several meters high and long and take months to create.
The Carnavaliers present their designs months in advance to a jury that selects the best projects. Once approved, the real work begins—months of dedicated craftsmanship to create a magical experience for all ages.
It’s not uncommon to see floats featuring caricatures of politicians.
During the parades, children dance on the floats and throw confetti into the crowd.
During the Flower Battles, as the name suggests, the floats are covered in fresh flowers, and a beautiful young woman aboard the float throws flowers to the spectators.
The signature flower of the event is the mimosa, whose golden yellow color complements the blue sky perfectly, and its intoxicating fragrance fills the air. The carnival even hosts an election for the Carnival Queen each year.
And for Food Lovers?
The Nice Carnival is also an opportunity to indulge in delicious local treats, such as:
- Crêpes
- Bugnes (crispy doughnuts)
- Ganses (a traditional Nice pastry)
You can find these sweet specialties in most bakeries throughout the city during carnival season.
The Traditional “Paillassou” Game
A true Nice Carnival tradition!
Participants place a straw doll in the center of a large sheet held at both ends, then throw it as high as possible into the air. The goal is to count how many times the doll bounces without falling off the sheet.
As the game is played, people chant in Niçois:
“Un, doi, tres, manda lo pailhasso!”
(Which means “One, two, three, send up the Paillassou!”)
For more practical details about the Nice Carnival 2025, visit https://www.nicecarnaval.com/.
