Le Carnival Parade is made up of some twenty floats designed on the year's theme and other figurines, including 30 in traditional papier mache in a colourful parade with dazzling colours, with the participation of street theatre and music groups from all over the world. In the evening all the floats are illuminated and the evening parades light up the heart of Nice.
Each Carnival represents an original shortlived production. Being a Carnavalier is not a profession, but a passion or a vocation. The large workshop where these craftsmen work, called the "Maison du Carnaval" is transformed into a magical setting for several months.

Even if new procedures, techniques and materials have paved the way for the mechanisation, articulation and modernisation of elements, the basis for float and big head construction has remained identical to its origins.