It is said to be one of the most beautiful carnivals in the world.
Competing straightforwardly with that of Venice or Rio, whose creation it would have inspired at the end of the 19th century.
This year, the Nice carnival is celebrating its 150th anniversary, with some editions canceled during the two world wars and the Covid epidemic.
This burlesque and colorful event which brings together some 200,000 spectators each year will be held on the theme of "Treasures of the world", a way to honor the distinction recently received by the city of Nice, listed as a World Heritage Site. Unesco.
"Treasures of the World".
The words were not chosen at random.
No wonders, no spoils, but testimonies of Humanity.
At the head of the carnival parade of 16 floats, the King, whose destiny will be reduced to ashes at the end of the festivities, symbolically putting an end to Winter, is enthroned this year on the Colosseum and the Taj Mahal.
The queen, adventurer of 1001 nights with several arms, will overcome a Chinese temple and the Egyptian Sphinx, mounted on a 100% electric chariot, a first.
In their wake, so many references to the cultures and spiritualities of the world, from Medusa to Pachamama via Naga, god of water in many Buddhist traditions.
Two distinguished guests will join their know-how to this great popular mass: Gabriel Haddad and Leonardo Bora, two
carnavelescos
of Rio have agreed to design a float for the city, in which Carioca icons will be magnified.
Read alsoFrom Menton to the Var hinterland, ten jewels of religious heritage to marvel at
A show that would be nothing without the traditional flower battles, true showcases of local production.
A poetic tradition that this year will showcase the arts: from weaving to lanterns, Wax, calligraphy or even Berber pottery.
Know-how from the other side of the world for a unique show to experience.
Place Masséna, the beating heart of Carnival.
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What are the dates of the Nice Carnival 2023?
The 2023 edition lasts 15 days, from Friday February 10 to Sunday February 26 with highlights (corsi, flower battles) every Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday as well as Sunday February 26.
Read alsoNice Carnival: a specific traffic and parking system during the festivities
The appointments not to be missed
The Grand Parade of 150 years
This is the kick-off of these two weeks of festivities.
The King opens the parade with great pomp on a float 16 meters long and 17 meters high.
After all these years, its cardboard aspect remains, but the materials and techniques have gained in modernity.
Her costume alone required 200 yards of fabric.
In its wake, 15 floats around which will stroll artistic troupes of dancers, musicians and performers from all over the world to celebrate their cultures and traditions in Nice.
Saturday February 11 at 2:30 p.m. Duration: 90 minutes
Illuminated carnival parade
Le Corso starts 6 evenings from Place Masséna.
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A magical and enchanting spectacle, the illuminated corso sets off from Place Masséna at nightfall.
The tanks adorn themselves with their most beautiful lights for a sound and light show rich in special effects.
An initiatory journey among big heads and musical groups.
Saturdays 11, 18 and 25 February; Tuesdays February 14, 21 and 25 at 8:30 p.m. Duration: 90 minutes
The Battle of the Flowers
The battle of flowers (here mimosa) is a particularity of the Nice carnival.
OTM - A Chailan
A festival of colors and scents.
The Flower Battles of Nice carnival are a must in these winter processions and have largely contributed to the influence of the city since the end of the 19th century.
It was the poet gardener Alphonse Karr, who gave his name to a chic artery in the city, who wanted the throwing of flowers to replace those of confetti.
A show long reserved for an elite, far from the more popular celebrations.
Today, 72 hours before the start of the festivities, florists are picking up thousands of fresh flowers and 16 actresses, whose costumes have been created by costume designers from the entertainment world, will launch some 20 tonnes of mimosa, this flower with yellow buds become the symbol of a winter Riviera.
Sunday 12 at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Saturday 18, Wednesday 22 and Saturday 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Read alsoRoute du Mimosa 2023: our itinerary to enjoy the explosion of colors on the Côte d'Azur
Closing ceremony
A veritable acme of great popular raout, the King returns to his final resting place each year in a staging organized by local associations and folk groups.
This year we will find the Parada Nissarda and the Carnavaliers troupes, which will meet not far from the Théâtre de Verdure.
All you have to do is turn around to see arriving in the distance, in the Baie des Anges, a parade of Pointus who have come to escort the King of the "Treasures of the World" in a last guard of honor.
A fireworks display will close this anniversary.
Sunday February 26 from 4 p.m., Promenade des Anglais and Quai des Etats-Unis (free)
How
to attend the Nice Carnival
Book your tickets
Seats are available for reservation on the ticket office nicecarnaval.com/carnaval-2023.com
In Nice, at the following points of sale:
- At the main ticket office located Promenade du paillon (near the water mirror): open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- At the various ticket offices on the day of the events: Promenade des Anglais and Quai des Etats-Unis.
Grandstand prices – walkways
Nice in celebration.
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- Adults: Battle of Flowers €28 - €14 / 150th Anniversary Grand Parade and Illuminated Parade €32 - €7.
- Children (6 to 12 years old): Battle of flowers €10 - €5 / Carnival parade and illuminated parade €10 - €5 / Free for children from 0 to 5 years old but on presentation of a child ticket.
- A space is reserved for people in wheelchairs in zone A of the promenades.
Price: €11, free in pedestrian areas.
Come in disguise
Tradition obliges, people in full disguise will be able to attend the illuminated Carnival Corsi for free in the pedestrian areas (no seats in the stands) within the limits of available seats.
Be careful, however, some disguises or accessories are prohibited.
Choose a cultural sesame
The Nice Carnival is also an opportunity to visit Nice and discover its museums, follow a guide or taste regional products.
The French Riviera Pass card is offered at a promotional rate during the Carnival period.
More information on frenchrivierapass.com
DON'T MISS ANYTHING
During the festivities, the whole city and its actors will get in working order and will vibrate in the colors of Carnival.
The occasion of a big sale, on February 9, 10 and 11 during which traders come out of their shop to exhibit fashion, decoration, beauty, decoration or gastronomy products at preferential rates.
To honor its Carioca counterpart, the City of Nice is organizing an exhibition called “Nice and the fabulous Carnival of Rio” at the Masséna Museum.
A staging of the connection between the Nice carnival, whose tradition was imported to Rio at the end of the 19th century, through costumes from the great samba schools from the Alain Taillard collection, curator of the exhibition.
Until March 5, Masséna Museum, 65, rue de France 06000 Nice;
Telephone: 04 93 91 19 10;
price: €10, €8 on presentation of a Carnival ticket from the same day.
The Carnival Village which returns this year for a second edition.
A place open to all on the sidelines of Corsis and flower battles, which offers workshops for children (make-up corner, theater workshops, making recycled objects or a giant fresco) but also artistic events.
A place in which a work by Richard Orlinski, a Wild Kong 3 meters high, will be enthroned.
Unmissable.
From February 10 to 26, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Square Leclerc, Promenade du Paillon, free entry.