The golden age of the Carnival in Nice was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but its history goes much deeper. Duke Charles II of Anjou traveled to Nice for the carnival back in 1294.
Today, the carnival is known as one of the most popular of its kind. This is in no small part due to the record number of papier-mâché sculptures that play an important role in each annual parade. Carnival in Nice is a celebration for people of all ages and social classes. For two weeks, thanks to the unique lighting and decorations of the streets, the city center is immersed in the atmosphere of a fairy tale.
On the first day of the holiday, a procession of 18 bands, with more than a thousand musicians and dancers from all over the world, tell the story of the “King of Music” as they move along the Promenade des Anglais to the city’s central Place Massen. All sorts of surprises for the public, street shows, concerts and a grand fireworks display to close the festivities – the French Riviera challenges the famous carnival in Rio with its main show on its scale.
