From February 11 to March 1, 2026, Nice will be abuzz with its most iconic event: the Nice Carnival, one of the world’s largest carnivals. For this new edition, the city highlights a strong and symbolic theme: “Long Live the Queen!”

First mentioned in 1294, the Nice Carnival is rooted in an ancient tradition inherited from pagan festivities. Structured in the 19th century with the creation of the Festival Committee, today it is a popular international spectacle that blends satire, poetry, creativity, and artisanal craftsmanship. In 2023, it already celebrated its 150th anniversary, reaffirming its status as a living cultural heritage.

Spectacular and poetic parades

The Carnival revolves around two major highlights: the Carnival Parades, taking place day and night, featuring monumental floats, Big Heads, artistic troupes, and international bands. Another major highlight of the carnival is the famous Flower Battles, emblematic of the Niçoise spirit for over 150 years, during which thousands of flowers (mimosas, carnations, and gerberas) are thrown to the public from richly decorated floats.

Each float is the result of a collective effort associating illustrators, carnival artists, and craftsmen, combining traditional papier-mâché techniques with contemporary methods.

An entire city in celebration

Beyond the parades, the Carnival takes over the entire city of Nice. The Carnavalina, a large popular and free parade, kicks off the festivities by bringing together residents, associations, and artists in a festive stroll. The Carnival Village, located in the heart of the city, offers activities, creative workshops, shows, artistic installations, and dining areas for both adults and children.

Numerous events also punctuate these fifteen days: masked balls, illuminated parades, children’s carnival, Lou Queernaval (a unique LGBTQIA+ event in France), the waiters’ race, exhibitions, conferences, cultural, and family activities.

An inclusive carnival

The Nice Carnival aims to be open to all, intergenerational, and committed. It values the carnival professions, the transmission of skills, social inclusion, and civic participation. Particular attention is paid to eco-responsibility with the use of sustainable materials and raising public awareness.

Merchants, artisans, and tourism stakeholders fully participate in the event, making the Carnival a true tool for economic and cultural prosperity for the Nice region and its metropolis.

An unmissable event of the Azur winter

With its mild climate, winter light, and art of living, Nice provides an ideal setting to celebrate the Carnival. The 2026 edition promises an immersive, festive, and meaningful experience, where the Queen (a symbol of creativity, freedom, and female power) will reign over the Azurean capital.

Here is a ready-to-publish – web press format version, without icons.

Day-by-day schedule

Wednesday, February 11

• The Grand Charivari of Richelmi – Rue Richelmi – 4 PM

Friday, February 13

• The Grand Bal du Veglione – Nice Opera House – 7 PM
• Opening of the Carnival Village – Promenade du Paillon (Leclerc square) – 6 PM – 10 PM

Saturday, February 14

• The Carnavalina – Downtown parade – 2 PM
• Opening illuminated parade – Place Masséna – 9 PM

Sunday, February 15

• Carnival waiters’ race – Place du Palais de Justice – 9:30 AM – 12 PM
• The Frenchy Carnival – Théâtre de Verdure – 12 PM – 6:30 PM

Tuesday, February 17

• The Face Parade – Promenade des Anglais – 8:30 PM
• Illuminated carnival parade – Place Masséna – 8:30 PM

Wednesday, February 18

• Flower Battle – Place Masséna – 2:30 PM

Thursday, February 19

• Carnival Village nocturne – Promenade du Paillon – until 10 PM

Saturday, February 21

• Flower Battle – Place Masséna – 2:30 PM
• Illuminated carnival parade – Place Masséna – 8:30 PM

Sunday, February 22

• Daytime carnival parade – Place Masséna – 2:30 PM

Tuesday, February 24

• Illuminated carnival parade – Place Masséna – 8:30 PM

Wednesday, February 25

• Flower Battle – Place Masséna – 2:30 PM
• “Catarina Segurana!” – Mediterranean University Center – 2 PM
• “Nice the Beautiful” celebrates its Carnival – Nice Opera House (Caballé Foyer) – 7 PM

Thursday, February 26

• Carnival Village nocturne – Promenade du Paillon – until 10 PM

Friday, February 27

• Children’s Veglione (election of the little Queen and King of Carnival) – Stockfish – 2 PM
• Lou Queernaval – Place Masséna – 8 PM

Saturday, February 28

• Flower Battle – Place Masséna – 2:30 PM
• Illuminated carnival parade – Place Masséna – 8:30 PM
• Incineration of the King and fireworks – Promenade des Anglais (in front of the Opera Beach) – 10:30 PM

Sunday, March 1

• Grand Bain of the Carnival (closing day) – Opera Beach, Quai des États-Unis – in the morning

The Carnival Village

Promenade du Paillon – Leclerc Square
From February 13 to March 1

Opening hours:

• From Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM – 6 PM
• Fridays and Saturdays: 11 AM – 8 PM
• Nocturnes on Thursdays, February 19 and 26 until 10 PM

Free – Open to all.