Carnival in Nice - why it is a must see

Nice Carnival is one of the most important events in the French Riviera in winter, while the Cannes Festival is of great importance in summer. It is one of the most famous carnivals in the world, along with carnivals in Rio de Janeiro and Venice, attracting over a million visitors. Crowds of spectators fill the famous Promenade des Anglais to witness the spectacular procession of colorful platforms and the legendary "flower battles" with the first spring flowers they throw into the air and watch the giant papier-mâché figures dance and are held throughout the city. Making figures from papier-mâché is in itself a work of art using centuries-old technologies, when layers of paper are glued one after another in a special shape.

As the procession progresses, the figures move, and hundreds of dancers, musicians and street performers join them - at night it's just an extraordinary sight. The streets are full day and night, and the stalls sell gifts: Provencal products, lavender, colorful fabrics and food. At night, the Carnival King's doll will be burned, and spectacular fireworks with musical accompaniment will take place over the Bay of Angels. The carnival was created to make its participants feel that winter is over, and the spring season begins in the French Riviera. For more than two weeks in February, the city moves to the rhythm of the holidays - this popular festival features humor, irony and poetry. This time of year offers a great opportunity to discover Nice and the French Riviera from a new perspective, enjoying a milder weather than the rest of France.

The word "carnival" itself comes from the Latin "carnelevare", meaning the expression "take out the meat". The medieval church expelled meat from the table throughout the fast, just like foods with sugar and ingredients containing fat, eggs, and dairy products. Before the beginning of the Lenten period of Lent (on Ash Wednesday), people had fun at carnivals, as this was their last chance to eat meat before Easter. The celebration was also a way to chase away the gloom of winter in the hope that spring would come soon.

The first mention of the Carnival Festival in Nice dates back to 1294, when Carl Anjou, King of Sicily, mentioned the "joyous days of the carnival" while in the city. Until the 19th century, Carnival in Nice was held in the format of a street party without organized parades. It wasn't until 1830 that Carl-Felix, King of Sardinia and Duke of Savoy (1765-1831), and Queen Maria Cristina from Naples and Sicily came to Nice during the carnival to organize the processions. To mark the royal visit, the city's local authorities organized the first parade in their honor. Distinguished citizens of Nice, dressed in elegant costumes, performed in ornate carriages as they passed the balconies of the palace.

Carnival is a modern, well-designed show with a creative procession consisting of two different events: a carnival parade and a flower parade. During the parades, visitors get a boost of cheerfulness in the form of confetti and fresh flowers flying in them!

The Carnival Parade takes place day and night in Place Massena and in the Jardin Albert 1er area. The flower parade takes place by the sea on the famous Promenade des Anglais - extravagantly dressed artists ride past guests, adorned with flowers, throwing mimosas, gerberas and lilies to the audience.

Top hotels in Nice

The Carnival consists of three separate events: the Carnival Procession, the Parade of Flowers and the Parade of Lights. If you are interested in yacht charter in Nice, then you should make your reservation in advance hotel rooms. The best hotels are recognized as:

• L'Abeille - Boutique Apartments;
• Hotel 66 Nice built at the beginning of the last century with an excellent location 20 minutes walk from the Old Town;
• Hotel 64 Nice (15 minutes walk from the Old Town);
• L'Olivette just a couple of hundred meters from the beaches of Blue Blu and Lido with many services;
• Palais Saleya Boutique hôtel right at the entrance to the Old Town;
• Incredible views of Nice in a calm luxury complex 0.8 miles from Mariniere beach;
• Appartement LUXURY ASSALIT in the historic city center;
• Apartment-avenue des Fleus - Tulipe a few hundred meters from the Voyer and Blue Blue beaches;
• Palais Venitien in Fabron with great service and more.

The grace and elegance of the flower costumes, in which the performers face the sea at the Carnival, serve as a reminder of the power and beauty of flowers and highlight the region's floral heritage. In addition to the holidays, during the Carnival period, vacationers have wonderful opportunities to discover winter Nice: a mild climate, a bright sky and a measured lifestyle of the French Riviera. The natural attractions, cultural and artistic life and excellent gastronomy of this region can provide you with a wide range of truly exciting experiences!

If you need to organize boat trips, please contact 2yachts to select the best rental deals pleasure craft of the required length, displacement and level of comfort. We guarantee an individual approach and affordable prices!