Nice Carnival
The famous winter carnival of the Côte d'azur
Introduction to the Carnival
The Nice Carnvial is a major winter festival, which takes place every year in February lasting for over 15 days. The carnival has lots of parades that create its amazing atmosphere and increase the incredible culture of the Côte d'Azur, known in English as the French Riviera. The carnival is renown for its spectacular floats, which enhances the beauty of the already iconic city.
One of the Carnivals' day parades
The Flower Parade
The famous Parade of Lights
It attracts more than a million spectators each year!
History
Nice is the city known for its carnivals, it is even considered as the birthplace of carnivals. The very first carnival parade with floats, known as the Corso Carnavalesque, was in the 13th century! The idea of mocking everything and everyone was quite popular at this time, but behind masks, protected by disguises. Originally the carnival was a series of masked balls and exciting farandoles, which are French dances that took place upon the streets, in, what is now, Old Nice. The modern era of the carnival began in 1873, which was when the use of decorative staging, floats and stands for the spectators, was first introduced.
Traditonal Farandoles (reinacted)
SImilar Carnivals in Australia
In Australia we do not have the exact same celebration, but we do have some festivals which are similar. Moomba, Mardi Gras and Chinese New Year parade in Sydney are all festivals in Australia which involve similar attractions, such as parades, floats and light carnivals. All of these events exhibit wonderful and colourful celebrations, which provide entertainment to the streets of the cities.
Moomba Festival
Fireworks on the Yarra
Mardi Gras
Parades on the streets of Sydney
Chinese New Year Parade
Celebrations for the Chinese New Year