The Ultimate Guide To Nice Carnival
- cs9002
- 2023年4月14日
- 讀畢需時 4 分鐘
已更新：2023年4月20日
The Nice Carnival is one of the oldest in the world and the biggest one in France. Also is one of the world's major carnival events, alongside the Brazilian Carnival, Venetian Carnival, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
If you arrive at the standing areas in full costume, based on the Carnival theme, you will be allowed in to the Carnival Parades for free. Be aware that this means a head-to-toe costume: wearing a funny hat, a few accessories or a painted face will not suffice! Please also be aware that costumes of a religious, military or offensive nature will not be allowed.
History
The first documented account of Nice Carnival was by the King of Sicily in 1294 when he mentioned the ‘Joyful days of the Carnival’, in his writings. For many centuries, Nice Carnival Celebrations were private events, with exclusive parties and masquerade balls thrown in luxurious residences that were attended by rich aristocrats.
However, in 1830 when the King of Sardinia and Queen of Naples and Sicily came to Nice during the carnival period, the local authorities organised a public parade to be held in their honour, which was such a success that it continued. The famous Flower Parade was first held in 1876.
It is held annually in February and sometimes early March (depending on the movable date of Carnival in the Christian calendar) in Nice on the French Riviera.
The two-week event attracts over a million visitors from all over the region, the country, and the world flock to the festival to enjoy and participate in the events and soak up the buzzing Carnival atmosphere.
During the two weeks of the Nice carnival, the streets become filled with parades of giant dolls in different shapes and lot of floats.The most important ones include the evening Light Parade and the Flower Battle, which is held during the afternoon.
It benefits from milder temperatures, there's nothing worse than standing outside under the blazing hot sun, especially in a crowded space. Nice in February is surprisingly pleasant — cool enough to need a jacket but with blue, sunny skies.
Flower Battle
The Flower Battle is a colorful procession of vehicles richly decorated with fresh flowers. Those who are riding on the floats, dressed in costume, throw flowers into the audience, especially mimosas, gerberas, lilies, and roses. In total, up to 100,000 fresh flowers are used in one battle! 90% of these grow near Nice. The flower battle is a unique event and has made the Nice Carnival famous.
Different from the regular Carnival parades: It has its own floats (covered in flowers), it’s own route, and a completely different ambiance of elegance and aesthetics, plus it has party favors. if you stay to the end, you’ll leave with some blooms!
Light Parade
The Light Parade is the most important part in the Carnival. The center point of the parade is Massena Square, where huge grandstands are set up for the public. Between these go a colorful procession of puppets and artists, everything is highlighted, and everyone dances to the rhythm of the music.
During the event, every now and then, confetti is shot into the air, 20 tons of which is consumed each year! As with the Flower Battle, several Light Parades take place during the Carnival.
Each year, the Carnival has a special theme. The 138th Nice Carnival will be held from February 10th to 26th, 2023.
The theme for the 2023 Nice Carnival is “King of the world’s treasures”, discover the Carnival Corso by day and also by night.
In the "Flower Battle" event held on the 15th of the Carnival, performers stand on flower-decorated floats and throw flowers to the audience.
Even though the Nice Carnival has changed over the years, it has retained three essential historical ingredients: A king to preside over the parade, good-natured battles, and lots of blooming flowers.
Tips:
The Carnival is worth seeing with your own eyes, however, it must be remembered that this is a ticketed event. Standing places during the parades cost 10 euros, while seats are 25 euros. You can also buy tickets for several events, which will be cheaper. Of course, children also have discounts.
Buy your tickets online to avoid the crowds at the ticket booths, which open at 11am for the parade which starts at 2:30pm.
Everyone's eyes are on the impressive and glitzy costumes of Carnival.
At the carnival, if you wear a unique costume, you will definitely be the center of attention.
Want to join the celebration? I have collected some websites about carnival costumes for your reference, so you can prepare in advance for the next carnival!
Themes for Carnival 2024: “King of Pop Culture”
Burlesque and magical shows, extravagant floats, big heads, elegant flower battles are waiting for you! Take in all the humming energy and exciting festivity in the air because you’ll be right there in the middle of all of the festivities!
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