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WHERE: Nice, France
WHEN: from 11 to 27 February 2022
In a scenographic and evocative setting, over two weeks of shows, flower battles, absurd characters await you. The Nice Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events on the entire Côte d’Azur; certainly, among the most evocative in all of Europe.
Over 1000 musicians, dancers and artists from all corners of the world will animate the traditional parades, day and night. From Place Masséna to the Promenade du Paillon, it will be a succession of floats decorated with splendid floral arrangements, characters dressed in incredible costumes and… much more.
Guaranteed fun for the whole family, in the company of “Le Roi des Animaux“, the King of the animals, protagonist of the 2022 edition.
During the 6 day and night parades, a total of 17 floats will make you experience the event to the fullest. Each wagon will be set up according to its own theme; the height varies from 8 to 16 meters. Official designers and important tank crews will give free rein to their imagination. The show is truly guaranteed. Furthermore, artists and collaborators of major international newspapers contribute to the Nice Carnival (Soleil de Québec, Sincho or Wall Street Journal…), artists expert in local culture (Moya, Broquet…).
Because, in these parts, Carnival is a vocation, a passion.
PRACTICAL INFO
ACCESS AND PARKING
The parades of allegorical floats take place along the central Place Masséna and around the Jardin Albert le 1er.
The best way to reach the city during this period is by public transport. Buses and trams are quite reliable.
If you arrive by car, bear in mind that many areas are closed to traffic during the Nice Carnival. If you arrive on the motorway, take exit 54 or 55 and leave the car at the “Parcazur Las Planas“. From here, by tram, you can move easily. The Nicetoile, Porte Olympia and Parking du Fare car parks offer a special rate of €5 for the whole day (you must have a ticket for the parade for the same day).
CARNIVAL PROGRAM NICE 2022
Photo ©, Mark Fischer
The Battle of the Flowers is the most anticipated event of the Nice Carnival. It represents one of the highest points of carnival creativity in these parts. The event dates back to 1876, when Andriot Saëtone created the first parade along the famous Promemade des Anglais. Since then, the ceremony has become more and more magical, beautiful and evocative.
The absolute protagonists are the flowers of the Côte d’Azur. 85% of those used are, in fact, locally produced. On each float, up to 100,000 flowers are thrown by the models. The realization of the installations is the result of a meticulous work of real artists.
The Illuminated Carnival Courses represent another unmissable appointment of the Nice Carnival. Every evening, all the floats are illuminated and the parades light up the heart of Nice with a thousand lights. Guaranteed magic and atmosphere.
This year, there will be great news during the inauguration day. For the first time, the Battle of Flowers and Carnival Courses will take place together. An appointment that promises to be already not to be missed.
From 11 to 13 February, a special dedication to Belgium and its “Gilles” that you can admire during the parades. For the whole period of the review, however, Place Leclerc hosts the Carnival Village.
Photo ©, debs-eye
It starts on Friday 11th, at 6:30 pm, with the inauguration ceremony for the people of Nice, at Place Massena. Free admission only in masks. Saturday 12 February the Great Illuminated Opening Course and the Battle of Flowers. Appointment at 20:30.
All Carnival Courses take place at 8:30 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays, on February 15th, 19th, 22nd and 26th.
The Battle of Flowers takes place on Sunday 13 February at 3:00 pm, and on 16, 19, 23 and 26 February (Wednesday and Saturday), from 2:30 pm.
Saturday 26 February, big closing ceremony starting at 20:30
The ticket to attend one of the parades costs €28.00 full fare, in the grandstand, €12.00 standing in ZONE A and €5.00 standing in zones B and C (B and C are not available for the Battle of Flowers). Children aged 6 to 12 years pay the reduced rate of €10.00. Free for children up to 5 years with help accompanied by a paying adult (also in this case, you will have to take a ticket for the minor)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Staying in Nice is not expensive. You can find, if necessary, good facilities between 40 and 50 € even in the center. Also close to major events like the Nice Carnival.
Hôtel Ozz by Happyculture, in Rue Paganini, it is an excellent solution for quality / price ratio. Located in the heart of Nice, it offers air-conditioned rooms with lockers and a private bathroom with a bath or shower. Some rooms also have a balcony. From here, you can book your room at a discounted price.