**From May 10 to 17, the Côte d’Azur LGBTQIA+ Center, along with the city of Nice, will organize a series of events to promote inclusion as part of the International Day Against LGBT+ Phobias.**
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 10, will mark the launch of the **Nice Rainbow Festival**. From 10 a.m., **Jardin Albert Ier** will transform into a large rainbow village. Access will be free for all audiences. Co-organized by the LGBTQIA+ center and the municipality, this festival is an opportunity to share values of inclusion and respect for one another. Loïc Jourdan, the president of the Côte d’Azur LGBTQIA+ Center, emphasizes this: *“This festival was born from a strong desire: to offer an inclusive, committed, and festive event reflecting the richness and diversity of our beautiful city.”*
But behind the glitter, the message is clear: here, **differences are celebrated**, without ambiguity. It is said that everyone can be themselves, love who they want, and live without fear of judgment from others.
Throughout the day, an **eclectic program** will enliven the garden’s lawns. At 11:30 a.m., Maho Bah-Villemagne, a trans boxer and French champion, will lead a self-defense workshop with the Malatesta school. The goal: learn to defend oneself, both physically and symbolically. The workshop will be open to everyone.
At 12:30 p.m., the “drag picnic” will gather people around a shared meal. Mariah, Patouchka, and other drag queens will perform between sips of juice. The performances promise to be unconventional.
A food truck will be present for meals, as well as a solidarity bar run by the [LGBTQIA+ Center](https://www.nicepremium.fr/culture/la-premiere-federation-francaise-des-festivals-de-films-lgbtqia-a-ete-creee/), allowing for the financing of its actions.
Children will have their own space, the “Rainbow Pitchouï.” Until 6 p.m., games, readings, and activities will be offered to them. A pink inflatable unicorn will sit in the middle of the play area.
## **New Name, Same Commitment**
The festival is also an opportunity to announce a name change. The label “Nice, naturally iridescent” becomes **”Nice Rainbow Côte d’Azur.”** This choice aims to make the message clearer.
Created in 2011, this label supports **tourism professionals** in welcoming LGBTQIA+ audiences. It is based on a framework shared with the municipality and local associations. It rewards committed establishments. In 2015, this partnership had already given birth to the [Queernaval](https://www.nicepremium.fr/evenements/santa-marraine-des-10-ans-de-lou-queernaval/).
At 11 a.m., a round table is organized on this topic. Rudy Salles, Jean-Louis Longo (AGLAE), and Frédéric Roussel (Adagio Access Nice Garibaldi) will participate. The theme: *“Welcoming LGBT+ tourists in Nice, why and how?”*
Throughout the week, the tourism office’s stand will host labeled professionals. In the autumn, a training session on welcoming LGBTQIA+ clients will be offered. The goal: continue to raise awareness and structure the tourist offer around values of inclusion.
## **On May 10, the Celebration Continues Until 11:30 p.m.**
High heels and roller skates will meet late in the afternoon. The race will be commented by **Patouchka Banana**. The Ultrack’Canons will follow with a **roller derby** demonstration.
At nightfall, it’s time for music. Julien de Bomerani will take to the turntables. The garden will become a huge dance floor.
The Nice Rainbow Festival will continue **until May 17**, in various locations throughout the city.
### **Practical Information:**
**Nice Rainbow Festival**
From May 10 to 17, 2025
**Nice Rainbow Village**: Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
[Jardin Albert Ier](https://www.google.fr/maps/place/Jardin+Albert+1er/@43.6957755,7.2656887,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x12cddaa1075ee81f:0x827b46f3d32fcc86!8m2!3d43.6957717!4d7.2682636!16s%2Fg%2F122bxpwh?hl=fr&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDUwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) in Nice
Free entry
[Complete program on the official event website](https://nicerainbowfestival.fr/).
