Under a sky of azure bathed in winter light, Nice reconnected on Wednesday with one of its most brilliant traditions: a rain of flowers, smiles and music swept across the Promenade des Anglais for the much-anticipated Battle of Flowers. A look back at this event through the lens of our photographer Rui Lopes.
On Wednesday, February 25 at 2:30 PM, the Promenade des Anglais and Masséna Square were transformed into an ocean of colors, aromas and laughter for one of the most emblematic moments of the Nice Carnival: the Battle of Flowers, an annual spectacle awaited by thousands of Nice residents and international visitors.
The first notes of fanfares resonated under the sun as richly decorated floats adorned with floral arrangements made their appearance. On each platform, costumed performers, actresses, dancers and musicians greeted the crowds lining the official route, launching in a carefully orchestrated ballet bouquets of flowers to enthusiastic spectators.
A key musical figure of this edition, DJ Samantha Flores once again set the Promenade des Anglais on fire this afternoon. After mixing for the opening at the traditional Bal du Veglione, then last night at the inclusive illuminated Corso, she was back this noon at the inclusive Battle of Flowers, confirming her presence at the carnival’s major highlights and infusing each event with festive electronic energy.
The spectacle, at the heart of the Nice Carnival 2026, took on a special dimension this year under the theme “Long Live the Queen!” An edition celebrating femininity, boldness and the inspiration of great female figures. This theme added extra symbolism to every costume and floral decoration.
A living tradition for 150 years!
The Battle of Flowers, with a carnival history dating back over a century (since 1876), unfolded before a dense and diverse audience: families, tourists and enthusiasts of popular culture mingled in a festive and intergenerational atmosphere.
As the floats, adorned with thousands of locally grown flowers, paraded slowly under an azure sky, spectators responded with hearty applause and bursts of laughter, participating in what remains one of the most enchanting moments of the Nice winter.
When the last confetti fell and the fanfares left the avenue, there lingered in the air a scent of mimosa and collective enthusiasm. Through this Battle of Flowers, Nice reminded us that, through its program, the Nice Carnival 2026 is not just a spectacle, but a living heritage, a gathering where tradition, creativity and the Mediterranean continue, year after year, to flourish together.
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