The most significant wintertime event on the Côte d’Azur is the premier international Carnival in France. Nice comes alive for two weeks of celebrations, including the sophisticated “Flower Parades” and the day and night “Carnival Parades” (also known as “Corsi”). An vibrant, joyous, family-friendly atmosphere permeates the parade of numerous floats decorated and showcased under the season’s theme, all to the beat of street art troupes and musical groups from all over the world.
The earliest known account of Carnival in Nice comes from Charles of Anjou, Count of Provence, who writes in 1294 of his visit to the city for “the joyous days of Carnival.”
Nice native Andriot Saëtone took the lead in establishing the “Festival Committee” in 1873. The committee expanded and planned the celebrations with the support of the municipality. There were float processions, ymagiers, or illustrators, paying stands, and an organized staging under Alexis Mossa’s direction.
