Tray in hand, costume on the back, and a smile on the lips: in Nice, even waiters become sprinters for a morning unlike any other.
Some Nice merchants took part in a waiter race organized as part of the Nice Carnival, on Sunday, February 15, starting at 9 a.m., at the Place du Palais de Justice in Old Nice, in front of the courthouse. This festive and costumed event was free and open to the public who came to encourage the participants.
Upon their arrival at the square, a blue inflatable arch reading “City of Nice” marks the starting line. Music fills the air while an announcer punctuates the event with commentary, setting the pace and giving instructions to the competitors, creating a friendly and joyful atmosphere. In front of them, a stage set up for the occasion hosts the seated jury and standing officials, facing each other and framing the competition in a setting that is both official and festive.
In the crowd, spectators don’t hold back either: many are dressed in colorful and extravagant costumes, staying true to the carnival spirit. Particularly noticeable are men dressed as women, with dresses, wigs, and flashy makeup, turning the square into a living picture where humor and creativity mingle. The participants themselves hold a tray in one hand and wear a number on their chest, an emblematic symbol of the race and a reminder of its competitive aspect. Balancing speed and performance, each competitor seems to defy both the laws of gravity and those of the carnival.
The soundscape completes the scene: shouts and cheers erupt from the crowd while lively music accompanies each round. An all-female percussion group sets the rhythm, harmonizing perfectly with this year’s theme, “Long Live the Queen”, adding power and energy to the race and enhancing the festive cohesion between participants and spectators.
For some, the race is a first-time discovery. Inquiring among the audience, Monique, 80 years old and retired, shares: “I came to see, it’s the first time I’m here! I woke up early and thought: I’m going! So they’re a bit late… but it’s fun!” She explains that she learned about it through a flyer at the tourist office and adds with a smile: “I thought I’d go this time, because in previous years I didn’t really feel like it.” Her enthusiasm reflects perfectly the popular and friendly spirit reigning at the Place du Palais de Justice this Sunday morning.
Next to the track, Elora, 23, a barista at “Emily’s Cookies”, came to support her boyfriend Jeremy. “Yes, I came to cheer on my boyfriend!” she explains enthusiastically. Her partner stands out in his Marilyn Monroe costume, and she doesn’t hide her amusement: “Honestly, I find it very sexy!” she laughs. When asked if she “wears the pants” for the day, she playfully responds: “For today, yes!” Always cheerful, she notes that she plans to support him in the best way possible: “By staying here by his side”, adding a touch of tender and humorous complicity to this carnival morning.
Among the participants, Jeremy, 30, a waiter at “Type 55”, attracts attention in his Marilyn Monroe-inspired outfit. With humor and good cheer, he jokes about his appearance: “Hello sir? Or madam? (laughs) Oh, sir, madam, nobody’s quite sure!” It’s his first time participating in the race. When questioned about the chilly morning, he energetically responds: “I’m freezing, I’m freezing, I’m freezing!” with a smile, lipstick, and tray, “you’ve got to represent, right!” Jeremy explains that he came to try his luck in the race, but mostly to have fun: “I’m going to try to participate in the race, win, and above all, have fun!”
Next to him, his friend Martin, 27, a waiter at “Tosca”, steps forward in a long blue dress, blonde wig, and dark sunglasses. Laughing, he admits: “Me? I came to run! As what? As the snow queen? As the queen of I-don’t-know-what!” Jeremy quickly adds: “The queen of my heart!” The two friends burst out laughing and embrace under the crowd’s encouragement. When asked if they think they’ll win, the answer comes quickly: “I think we’re going to win!” and Jeremy adds playfully: “Do some people expect to lose? Well, that’s their problem!” The tone is light, festive, and collaborative, perfectly illustrating the carnival spirit of this unique race.
Not far away, Vadim, 10 years old, a fourth-grade student, participates in his own way, proudly holding up a sign. “21 Farmers!” he shouts, then clarifies it’s for “Théo and Théo 2!” with a lengthy emphasis on the last “O”. His mother, Juliette, 31, an artistic director, explains their motive for being there: “We love this restaurant which is just down the street from us, and we come because we love it! We’re here to cheer them on because it’s our favorite restaurant!” Vadim adds proudly: “And we drew it all by ourselves!”
Juliette notes that despite not having any direct connection with the restaurant, they visit it daily and know the staff. When the restaurant mentioned the race, Vadim immediately suggested making a poster to support the competitors. The lack of sleep doesn’t seem to dampen their enthusiasm: “No, we haven’t slept all night!” confirms Juliette, and when asked if the day might dampen their energy, she responds: “Not at all!” Their creativity and companionship bring a warm and lively touch to this carnival morning.
The race, in its third edition, emphasizes creativity and spectacle. The top three costumes were rewarded, while the winner received a trophy specially designed by artist Patrick Moya, put back into competition each year to create a symbolic and festive tradition.
Still recent in the history of the carnival, the Waiter’s Race allures with its approachable and quirky tone. It embodies a popular aspect of the celebration, filled with laughter, cheers, and local participation. Whether they cross the finish line first or out of breath, all the competitors ultimately serve the same specialty to the public: a generous round of good cheer, never spilling the carnival spirit.
