This extended May weekend marks the opening of the Fête des Mai, which will be held in the gardens of the Arènes de Cimiez throughout May. The Festin des Mai is a popular tradition in Nice.
In the shade of the olive trees, each year, the culture and language of Nice are celebrated in the gardens of the Arènes de Cimiez: like their parents and grandparents, families and friends gather to share traditional songs, dances, music, and Niçoise culinary specialties.
A convivial and family-friendly moment is in store, with activities respecting tradition. The program notably includes music with Niçoise folk groups Nice la Belle, Lou Cairèu Niçart, La Ciamada Nissarda, and the association Nissart Per Tougiou. On Sunday, May 17, at 2:30 p.m., the final of the Niçoise cooking contest “Chef for a Day… and of a Territory” will take place, for which you can still apply via CHEF FOR A DAY.
Workshops and shows will also be offered to children: inflatable structures, puppet shows, traditional Niçoise games like pignata, palhàssou, and pilou, theater and storytelling, pebble-shaping workshops, and hurdy-gurdy workshops.
In the Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez, the “Mai” celebrations will also take place on Sundays, May 10, 17, and 24, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Finally, note that the final of the election of the Reine des Mai will take place on May 24.
