Nice Carnival

The famous Nice carnival, which has existed in Nice since the 14th C., begins 12 days before Ash Wednesday. During this period various performances and festivities succeed one another on a 2km/1mi stretch of the town. The focus is near the Place Masséna of the Jardin Albert I. Processions of floats, cavalcades, masked balls, floral processions, showers of confetti and dancing in the streets are just a few of the highlights. The main Battle of Flowers is on the day after Ash Wednesday. The conclusion of the carnival is marked by a grand firework display on Shrove Tuesday which lights up the whole of the Baie des Anges. At Micarême (mid-Lent) a second celebration takes place.

The carnival is held annually in late February to early March.