2025 Nice Carnival: Experience the Vibrant French Riviera Festival | Place Masséna
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Carnival
The Nice Carnival, known for its unique annual themes, will feature the "King of the Ocean" in 2025. This theme invites visitors to explore the mysteries and wonders of the ocean, emphasizing the importance of marine conservation and the beauty of underwater life. Floats are expected to depict themes related to marine biodiversity, mythical sea creatures, and the relationship between humans and the ocean. The King of the Ocean will reign over the city during the carnival, with his presence felt in every parade, performance, and event. The two-week-long Nice Carnival will host a series of events to ensure every visitor enjoys vibrant parades, cultural performances, and the opportunity to participate in the "Bataille de Fleurs" (Battle of Flowers), offering an unforgettable experience.
Key highlights include:
Opening Ceremony and Carnival: February 12, 2025 (Wednesday), with a grand opening in the Riquier district, celebrating the unveiling of the King and Queen's Carnival House, along with dance and terrace concerts. On February 15 (Saturday), the Carnival Village will open with "La Carnavalina"—a grand public celebration featuring free entertainment, street parades, and various activities throughout the city, allowing locals and tourists to feel the spirit of the carnival.
Carnival Parade (Corso Carnavalesque): The core event of the carnival, with numerous floats decorated according to the carnival theme, accompanied by street artist troupes and musical groups from around the world, creating a colorful, festive, and family-friendly atmosphere. Daytime float parades are ideal for families, while nighttime parades, known as "Corso Illuminé," feature illuminated floats and performances that are a visual feast.
Battle of Flowers: An elegant parade of flower-adorned floats, with characters in extravagant costumes, music, scents, and colors delighting spectators. Each year, actresses in elaborate costumes parade on floats decorated with beautiful flowers, showcasing the floral traditions of the Côte d'Azur.
Lou Queernaval: As France's first gay carnival, Lou Queernaval is a popular event open to all, advocating values of sharing, inclusion, and unity. Feathers, makeup, glitter, extravagant parades, colorful troupes, and unique creatures will ignite the carnival's vibrancy.
Closing Ceremony and Burning of the King: The carnival's closing ceremony features the symbolic burning of the King's effigy, followed by a stunning fireworks display over the Mediterranean, marking the end of the celebrations.
Carnival Dates:
Carnival 2025: February 12
Carnival and Opening Parade: February 15, 2025;
Carnival Illuminated Parades: February 18, 22, 25, and March 1, 2025 (8:30 PM);
Flower Parades: February 19, 22, 26, and March 1, 2025 (2:30 PM);
Lou Queernaval: February 21, 2025 (8:30 PM);
Daytime Carnival Parade: February 23, 2025 (2:30 PM);
Closing Ceremony and Burning of the King: March 1-2, 2025 (10:45 PM)