At the initiative of the city of Nice, the first competition for Christmas lit balconies was held from December 15 to 22, 2008. There were 133 entries across eight territories, with three residents rewarded. The first prize was a dinner for two at a Michelin Guide starred restaurant: Le Chantecler, Jouni, Keisuke Matsushima, or L’Univers. The second prize consisted of two packages for a pleasant day at a winter sports resort in Mercantour, enjoying the ski lifts. The third prize offered four privileged seats in the stands during one of the three Sundays of the Carnival. Each winner received their moment of glory, being awarded by Rudy Salles in front of a full and enthusiastic audience.
Beautify the City
This competition was organized to beautify the city. “We noticed that it was not decorated enough for Christmas, so we wanted to enhance it and give it a festive appearance,” says Rudy Salles. It worked well, and the people of Nice were enthusiastic. “Many lit up their balconies without participating,” rejoices Salles, who also holds the position of Deputy Mayor of Nice, responsible for Tourism and International Affairs. To extend the desire to enrich the Azurean capital by involving its inhabitants, the 2009 Carnival storefront competition was started. Three prizes will reward merchants: a dinner in one of the city’s best restaurants, a ‘Blue’ lithograph signed by Gilly, a Nice artist, and a box of three bottles, red, white, and rosé, from Bellet wine of Château de Crémat. The quality, aesthetics, and originality of the decorations are considered by the various juries, composed of residents from the eight territories.
