For the people of Nice, the May Festival is an opportunity to immerse themselves in their culture and history for an entire month. This year, in order to highlight the richness, diversity, and dynamism of the Nice cultural heritage, the May Festival will offer different content.
In the Arenas, each festival day will be marked by a theme where creators from the past and present will be honored.
On Sunday, May 17, and for the first time, the County of Nice will be represented in its entire territorial and historical extent, with the presence of the six cross-border municipalities of Apicale, Dolceacqua, Isolabona, Perinaldo, Pigna, and Roquetta.
In the Gardens, numerous activities for both children and adults will be offered, accompanied by the dances and songs of our County.
History and Culture of Nice
Before taking place at the Cimiez Arenas and until the 1960s, the “Feast of May” was organized in the neighborhoods of Nice, particularly in the heart of the old town. On this occasion, the streets and squares were adorned with garlands and lanterns.
Even today, in the gardens of Cimiez, the “maypole” is erected, representing the tree of life, a symbol of Spring, to the cheers of the participants and to the tune of “Nissa la Bella”, the true anthem of Nice created by the poet Menica Rondelly, who restored the “May” celebrations to their former glory.
