How to have a great time at the Nice Carnival

There is much to enjoy in Nice including the Mediterranean weather, great locales, and a vibrant city.

But the best time for the fun loving to visit Nice would have to be in February when the city loses itself in its Carnival or carnaval, one of the largest of its kind anywhere in France. A revelry continuing almost since the Middle Ages, the Nice Carnival has been greatly shaped by Italian culture and Catholic traditions. In its current form the carnival celebrates its hundred and twenty fifth year this year. In 2009 the festival will be held from the thirteenth of February to the first of March. It has been the tradition to decide on a different theme for the carnival every year and this year’s theme is the ‘King Of Masquerades.’

A few ‘how to’ pointers could help you to maximize your enjoyment of the Carnival of Nice immensely.

1. Enjoy Free Carnival Events

There are several events that have free entrance and somewhat subsidized seating. Attend them to ensure that your pocket enjoys the carnival as much as your heart. The Parade of Lights, the Carnival Parades, and the fireworks display are all major events that allow free entrance.

2. Do not exhaust yourself during the daytime every day.

Every Saturday and Tuesday during the carnival, after the sun sets in the sky the city lights up. The Famous Parade of Lights is different every night but every visitor must see at least one for a complete experience of the carnival.

3. Do not miss the Battle of Flowers

While there are several flower parades throughout the carnival don’t miss the famous Battle of the Flowers. Going down the Promenade des Anglais the only battle that this procession seems to have though is with the olfactory senses of the onlookers who are hit with the most magnificent natural perfumes possible. Several large tanks are covered entirely with flowers of every color belonging to vastly different climates and regions. With the Mediterranean Sea in the background this is definitely a sight to treasure.

4. Carnival floats are a must see

The Corsi Carnavalesques or the carnival floats, especially at the opening and in the final Grand Parade are another must-see.

5. Don’t forget to loosen your belts

Some of the best local cuisine is available for sampling here. Other than the carts and small vendors, which are great ways to grab a really delicious bite, restaurants put out special carnival menus. There are also smaller neighborhood food fiestas that welcome tourists with open arms.

6. Go for a ride on the Big Wheel

A nice way to get a panoramic view of Nice in all its joyous madness is on a ride on the Big Wheel located in the Town Center.

There cannot be a more riotous and fun adieu to all carnal pleasures for the forty days of lent than the Nice Carnival. Not one of the more than a million visitors to this carnival goes back disappointed. Here is wishing the same for you!

Photo of the Carnival of Nice, France, by Mr_Ez

Topic:  How to Tuesday | 1 Comment
Tags:  festivals, Nice

About the author

Grace lives in India. She loves to travel, not as a tourist, but to soak in the secrets of the nooks and crannies of this amazing planet. She also loves words, expressed through the medium of writing. She firmly believes that a well crafted piece of writing can accomplish ANYTHING!