The Carnival Village 2026 was officially inaugurated on Saturday, February 14, at 11 a.m. in Nice, on the Promenade du Paillon, at Square Général Leclerc, marking the start of the public festivities of the Nice Carnival, which this year celebrates the theme “Long Live the Queen”.
The inauguration took place in the presence of the Mayor of Nice, before a large audience who came to discover this new festive area entirely dedicated to the spirit of Carnival.
Open from February 14 to March 1, the Carnival Village welcomes the public every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission. Designed as the vibrant heart of the celebrations, the site features creative activities, artist rides, and street art companies that explore the Carnival theme through shows, games, and participatory performances.
The first day saw particularly high attendance. The line hasn’t diminished since the opening, showing the enthusiasm generated by this edition. On-site, a large number of families and many children enjoy the activities offered along the route.
Free Traditional Games and Craft Workshops
The Village offers many wooden and iron games, inspired by fairs and popular traditions, available continuously. These play areas attract young and old alike, fostering intergenerational play in a friendly atmosphere.
Craft workshops are also organized daily: mask creation, creative crafts, giant coloring, and artistic creations around the Carnival theme. All activities, games, and workshops are entirely free, a strong choice by the organizers to ensure open access to everyone.
To extend the carnival magic into the evening, two late-night events are scheduled for Thursdays, February 19 and 26 until 10 p.m., with a more festive and quirky atmosphere including socca tastings, balèti (traditional dance), and special activities to animate these late openings.
Among the announced highlights of the Carnival Village:
- The big ganses contest (February 18 at 4 p.m.): a gourmet finale organized in partnership with a CFA, dedicated to this iconic sweet specialty.
- Baron Jeux Vol (from February 13 to March 1): an accessibly continuous space for fun and traditional games.
- Nice in Color (February 15, 17, 19, and 20): creation of a participative mural on Nice’s identity imagined by illustrator Sylvie T.
- The Grand Prix of the Moulinade (February 23 to March 1): a “slot car” race staged by the company La Mince Affaire, in a deliberately wacky atmosphere.
- The Chalk Festival (Saturday, February 28): creation of colorful artworks in the streets, followed by a pigment launch.
- The grand closing party (Sunday, March 1): a costume party open to locals, visitors, and associations to close the Village.
With this Carnival Village, the city of Nice offers an immersive, family-friendly, and participative approach to the festivities. Between traditions, artistic creations, free games, and creative workshops, the site stands as a daily gathering point to experience the Carnival up close, complementing the grand parades.
The complete program can be consulted on the official event platforms on-site and online.
