The Good Life France Magazine January/February 2015 | Page 68

In the much warmer south, the Nice Carnival is one of the oldest in the world; the earliest records establish its existence in 1294 when the Count of Provence enjoyed “the joyous days of carnival”. In those days it resembled a big unorganized street party, there wasn’t a parade in sight. But in 1830, the King and Queen of Sardinia visited Nice and the city council organised the first carnival parade in their honour. The royal couple sat on their palace balcony and waved as prominent Niçois ladies and gentlemen, dressed in elegant costumes filed past in decorated carriages.

This was the start of the modern carnival parade in Nice which is always presided over by a gigantic, kingly character. His arrival on the royal float signals the beginning of the festivities. Each year brings a different king who sets the theme for the entire event.

In 2015 the event introduces His Majesty, King of Music, so all of the floats will have something to do with music and musical instruments. Unfortunately for His Majesty, his reign is soon over and on the last night of the carnival, he is put out to sea on a little boat and burned while the carnival-goers celebrate with fireworks.

For more than two weeks there are parades every day and evening. The Nice Carnival King oversees the line of decorated floats, interspersed with marching bands and costumed characters, as it makes its way along the carnival route. The King’s helpers (the people on the floats) throw confetti and candies into the crowd and in return they are targeted by children with cans of silly string.

13 February - 1 March, 2015

www.nicetourisme.com

Nice Carnival

by Margo Lestz