Carnival in France

In France Carnival (the celebration that culminates in Mardi Gras) is an occasion for festivals in towns across the nation. The carnival in Nice France is the biggest and most spectacular in the country. At the time of carnival Nice France erupts into a citywide party, with parades in the daytime and evening and a large bonfire and fireworks on Mardi Gras itself. Flower processions, floats, and parties make Nice the place to be for carnival in France.

Carnival in France is an ancient tradition. In France carnival provided the last opportunity to eat rich and fatty cuisine before the forty-day fast of Lent. Carnival in France became a period when the Catholic Church’s restrictions were relaxed and people, disguised behind masks, delighted in activity forbidden at other times of year.

Carnival in Nice France was mentioned as early as 1294. In the years before the revolution in France carnival involved masked balls and dances for the French aristocracy. Each year since the 1873 carnival Nice France has had a “committee for the parties,” to organize more spectacular floats, more grotesque and fabulous costumes, and a more stunning celebratory atmosphere. It is now a 10-day celebration in the period leading up to Mardi Gras.