From February 9 to 28, 2027, the 154th edition of the Nice Carnival will take place under the theme « Long live love. » For his first carnival as mayor, Éric Ciotti plans several changes, including free access to the promenades on a reservation basis, new stands in the grandstands and an enriched program. An evolution that will also be accompanied by an increase in certain prices.
The Nice Carnival is about to undergo several changes for its 2027 edition. Presented by Éric Ciotti, this 154th edition will take place from February 9 to 28 around the theme « Long live love. » The new mayor intends to modify the organization of this winter event, with the objective of « giving the carnival back to the people of Nice and reconnecting with a festive and popular tradition. »
Several novelties have been announced. Among the main measures is the complete free access to the promenades, accessible by reservation. The municipality also plans 2,000 additional seats in the grandstands and promenades installed on the Quai des États-Unis. Their layout will be modified to offer a view of the sea.
Another change concerning the flower battles: these will return almost entirely to the south sidewalk of the Promenade des Anglais. The route will be extended and two additional floats will make their appearance. The grandstands will also be positioned facing the sea. A configuration presented as a first in the history of the Nice Carnival by Éric Ciotti.
A naval flower battle is also being considered. Organized in parallel with land festivities, this entertainment could notably mobilize the traditional Nice fishing boats (pointus niçois).
The programming will also see changes, with 56 events announced compared to 44 in 2026. Of this total, 45 events will be free. The municipality thus wishes to broaden access to the festivities and multiply entertainment throughout the streets of Nice.
An expanded program and revised prices on the rise
Several events will complement the traditional illuminated parades and flower battles. On February 9, a participatory Mardi Gras celebration will open the festivities. The popular reception of the king and queen is scheduled for February 12 at Place Masséna. A costume dance evening will then be held at the Théâtre de Verdure on February 19, followed by a day dedicated to the Carnival of Aqui on February 21.
The Carnavalina, scheduled for February 13, will also allow the flower-decorated floats to return to the city center. The Carnival village will also benefit from extended hours, particularly on Thursday evenings. During the presentation, Éric Ciotti also unveiled the official poster for this edition featuring a heart as a cupid with a crown on top, the sun and the sea.
On the economic front, the free promenades represent a loss estimated at 800,000 euros by the municipality. To offset this amount, the city of Nice is counting in particular on new grandstand capacity, an increase in certain prices and the development of VIP offerings, particularly aimed at businesses. Increases will be more marked for tour operators. On the other hand, prices applied to children and people with reduced mobility will remain unchanged. « We are fully balanced », assures the mayor.
The economic stakes remain significant for this event. The 2026 edition brought together over 400,000 spectators and mobilized 1,400 people. Annual economic returns are estimated at 30 million euros.
Main dates of the 2027 Nice Carnival
Subject to changes, here are the main events announced for this 154th edition:
- February 13, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Carnavalina in the city center.
- February 13, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.: opening illuminated parade, Place Masséna and around Albert-Ier garden.
- February 16, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.: illuminated carnival parade.
- February 17, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: flower battle.
- February 20, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: flower battle.
- February 20, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.: illuminated carnival parade.
- February 21, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: carnival parade of Aqui.
- February 23, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.: illuminated carnival parade.
- February 24, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: flower battle.
- February 27, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: flower battle.
- February 27, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.: closing illuminated carnival parade.
The festivities of the next Carnival of Nice 2027 will take place mainly at Place Masséna and around Albert-Ier garden, with several animations also planned in the streets of Nice, details of which will be communicated in the coming weeks.
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