The Carnival Queen and her runners-up were presented this Wednesday by Christian Estrosi, the mayor of the city of Nice.
With two days to go before the start of the 2015 Carnival, the mayor presented the new features of this 131st edition, in the presence of Denis Zanon, General Director of the Tourism Office.
From February 13th to March 1st, the people of Nice will celebrate the 131st edition of this event they are proud of. Two days before the opening of the new edition of the Nice Carnival, the mayor presented the highlights of this festival.
It was an opportunity for him to reassure some families from Nice, who were worried and reluctant to attend the Carnival due to the events that affected Paris earlier this year. In Nice, last week, three soldiers were attacked in the city center by an individual armed with a knife. The Alpes-Maritimes department has therefore been placed on “alert for attacks.”
“Do like the mayor, go quietly and freely among everyone. If it can be reassuring, I will also be there, without special protection,” announced Christian Estrosi.
“As every year, the standards will be strict. The areas will be even more secure than in previous years. For this, bouncers will be present at the entrance, bags will be searched to ensure no metal can enter. Finally, random frisking will also take place to ensure better security,” he added.
Despite concerns, “Today the anxious climate around security creates legitimate worries. Some of the public are waiting to see how things will unfold. The carnival is a highly secured event. This year, the surveillance system is increased. We do not have massive cancellations, only two groups have canceled but that is nothing compared to the 15 parades we are expecting. As for reservations, they are at the same level as last year. We just have to hope for good weather this year,” confides Denis Zanon, Director of the Tourism and Convention Office.
New features of the 2015 Carnival
This edition presents some new features this year.
February 15th at 10 am: The “Nice Carnaval Run.” It is a costume race organized from the Promenade des Anglais. The mayor of Nice will also take part.
February 15th at 2:30 pm: “La Parada Nissarda.” Neighborhoods will be mobilized around three major musical themes: jazz, samba, and traditional Nice music. Entrance will be free.
February 27th at 9 pm: “Lou Queernaval.” It is France’s first gay carnival. The objective of this parade is to promote better living together.
