Night falls over the port of Nice and the evening is in full swing. Under the amazed gaze of passersby, Spaniards stroll on stilts, then the garbage collectors parade by rhythmically drumming on their bins. No doubt about it, the atmosphere is indeed lively. But before dancing until the break of dawn, several top chefs offer tastings of their specialties: fregola sarda, bouillabaisse verrine set in jelly, eggplant mille-feuille with cod brandade, pistachio crumble… Niçoise specialties with a touch of originality. For those with a more limited budget, radishes, figs, goat cheese, pan bagnat are available.
Suddenly, the siren of the Corsica ferry is heard, and white lights flicker in the sky. “Viva Nissa La Bella,” echoes through the speakers; it’s time for Niçoise dances. The folk dancers form a circle, and tourists attentively follow their quick steps before taking a plunge into the water. The less brave prefer to clap their hands and hum the music. On Quai Cassini, it’s Italian music that enchants spectators from the neighboring country. Meanwhile, children have fun in the Marine Aquarium, the Pirate Ship, or the Toboggan Fun Slide.
A firework display is launched from the breakwater.
At 10:20 PM, the musicians stop playing, and passersby head toward the breakwater. A firework display is offered. Red, blue, green, orange — the lights brighten the cloudy sky. The spectators are captivated. Once finished, everyone heads to the podiums because the popular celebration wouldn’t be as successful without the traditional ball taking place. Flamenco, Nux Vomica, Claude François — there’s something for everyone. Hands rise, applaud, voices mingle, and bodies dance. And never mind if the naysayers lament the somewhat commercial nature of the celebration, everything was in place for having fun at least until half past midnight.
