This year, the Nice carnival will take place from February 17 to March 3, themed King of Pop Culture. Two days before the kickoff, we’re explaining everything you need to know about this 151st edition: complete program with its new features and practical information on the disrupted traffic.
The complete program
Saturday, February 17: first day of the carnival
- Inauguration of the carnival village from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Located at General Leclerc Square, on the Paillon promenade, it is free and offers activities for everyone. It will close its doors on Saturday, March 2, at 6 p.m.
- Opening parade from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: carnival floats and floral floats, King, Queen, Carnavallon, musical troupes, and dancers gather to present themselves to the public at Place Masséna.
- Illuminated Carnival Parade from 8:30 p.m.: Accompanied by street art troupes and musical groups, the carnival floats parade. A grand spectacle of sound and light lasting about 1.5 hours to be experienced at Place Masséna. These parades can be found on Saturday and Tuesday nights.
Grande journée Pop’ulaire: Sunday, February 18 A major novelty this year. For the first time, in Old Nice, on Place du Palais de Justice from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., a waiter race will take place. It is reserved for professionals in the hospitality and catering sectors. From noon to 6 p.m., the Frenchies brunch will take place at the Verdure Theatre. Offered at a price of 5 euros, it is a family-friendly meeting to satisfy your taste buds with a 100% French musical selection with activities such as pétanque, inflatable structures, or rodeo.
Carnival Parade: The floats decorated with the theme “King of pop culture” parade to music in a festive and family-friendly atmosphere. Both day and night, it is one of the main events of the carnival at Place Masséna. In the evening, from 8:30 p.m., on Saturday and Tuesday (February 17, 20, 24, 27, and March 2) they are illuminated. On Sunday, February 25, it will take place during the day at 2:30 p.m.
Flower Battle: Adorned with floral compositions, the floats form a colorful parade that is likely to delight young and old. According to tradition, each year, costumed actresses parade. They throw flowers such as mimosas, indispensable in the region, to the public. These flower battles take place on Saturday, February 24, and March 2 as well as on Wednesday, February 21 and 28 at 2:30 p.m. in Place Masséna.
Lou Queerneval: Friday, February 23 The first gay carnival in France, it is a popular event open to all. Everyone can parade and celebrate. Feathers, glitter, and colorful outfits are a must. It promotes values of sharing, inclusion, and living together. The event is free but a ticket is required for entry.
The K-Pop Night: Friday, March 1 Organized at the Verdure Theatre, the K-Pop night offers a series of activities, starting at 4 p.m. The program includes dance classes, blind tests, challenges, and even a show. To heat things up, a DJ will be present. Fans of Korean music will be delighted. Entry is by reservation and costs 5 euros.
Closing Festivities
- Saturday, March 2: The traditional incineration of the King will take place starting at 10:45 p.m. It is followed by a fireworks display. Head to the Quai des États-Unis, in front of the Opéra beach.
- Sunday, March 3: It’s the grand return of the Carnival bath. It will take place from 11:45 a.m. at Opéra beach, after the parade of “pointus” with the boatmen of La Mouette.
Disrupted Traffic
As every year, the carnival impacts traffic in the city center. Taking your car is risky, so it is strongly recommended to use public transport. Closed roads, restrictions, and tram access: we tell you everything.
Getting around by car will not be easy. The Mathis lane and the A8 motorway are recommended. Parking will require caution and checking traffic restriction timings. It will be prohibited for all vehicles except priority general interest vehicles, right holders, and the organization on the following roads:
- Promenade des Anglais: south lane from Rue Sauvan to Avenue Max Gallo
- Promenade des Anglais: north lane from Avenue Max Gallo to Boulevard Gambetta
- Avenue Max Gallo
- Place Masséna
- Liautaud Tunnel from the Max Gallo entrance to the Port exit
- Rue Desboutin
- Boulevard Jean Jaurès from Place Masséna to Descente Crotti
- Avenue Félix Faure from Rue Gubernatis to Place Masséna
- Avenue de Verdun in its entirety
- Rue Saint-François de Paule between Rue Desboutin and Avenue Max Gallo
- Quai des États-Unis and Quai Rauba Capeù reversed direction
- Minor roads leading to these main roads.
If you wish to take your bicycle, cycling will be prohibited during parades on the following bike paths:
- Quai des États-Unis, from Avenue Max Gallo to Rue Sulzer
- Avenue de Verdun
- Avenue Félix Faure, from Rue Gubernatis to Place Masséna
- Promenade des Anglais, from Rue du Congrès to Avenue Max Gallo
The tram remains the best option. This year, you can even hear the voices of Homer and Marge Simpson throughout the carnival.
- Line 1: this line will operate in “carousel” from Henri Sapia to Jean Médecin and from the Pasteur hospital to Garibaldi. Stations Masséna, Opéra-Vieille Ville, and Cathédrale-Vieille Ville will be closed during events. At the end of performances, the Masséna station reopens.
- Line 2: normal operation, no disruptions expected. The connections for lines 1 and 2 are made at the Garibaldi and Jean Médecin stops.
