A rich and varied program of strolls, activities, workshops, screenings…
Marianne(s) Exhibition by Sylvie Castioni
From February 14 to 28
Opening reception Saturday, February 14 at noon.
92 public figures come together with artist Sylvie Castioni to reaffirm the fundamental rights of freedom, equality, and justice for all. Rooted in the concept of matrimoine (women’s heritage), this project highlights that women—long kept on the margins of collective narratives—are fully part of History. Marianne(s) celebrates all women in the richness of their diversity and individuality, while placing them at the very heart of our republican history in a visible and central way.
As part of an accessibility and wider outreach initiative, a digital version of the exhibition, developed with the French company Xclusiv World, will be available starting February 14. It allows remote access, particularly for those unable to attend in person, including people with disabilities, and extends its reach beyond the host territory.
Come and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon (from 1 PM to 5 PM) in your neighborhood during the 7 dates of the Territorial Carnivals! On the program: lively music, a giant dance party, confetti battles, and a parade of costumed children. You will also enjoy performances by dance troupes and percussion groups.
Free Entry.
- Hauts de Nice: Monday, February 16, 2026 at Parc Chambrun
- Historic Nice: Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Jardin St Jean d’Angély
- Heart of Nice: Friday, February 20, 2026 at Jardin Wilson
- Rives du Paillon: Monday, February 23, 2026 at Jardin Lécuyer
- Nice Hills: Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Square Jean Gabin
- West Nice: Friday, February 27, 2026 at Jardin Saint-Isidore
- Saint Étienne District: Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Square Colonel Jeanpierre
Come celebrate the carnival traditions!
In Nice, the earliest recorded mention of Carnival dates back to 1294, when Charles of Anjou, Count of Provence, referred to his visit to the city for “the joyful days of Carnival.” The Nice Carnival took its current form in the 19th century.
Today, street arts are the hallmark of the Nice Carnival, attracting visitors from around the world every year. 50 troupes of local, national, and international artists accompany floats made of papier-mâché or adorned with fresh flowers, bringing rhythm and color to each carnival parade and Flower Battle.
Enjoy a festive atmosphere blending tradition, art, and entertainment!
Program
Exhibition “My Carnival” by Pascal Masson aka Nikaia-Garibaldi
From February 4 to 22
Opening Tuesday, February 3 at 6 PM
Discover the Nice Carnival through the photos of Pascal Masson, aka Nikaia-Garibaldi, passionate photographer.
Galerie Babazouk 2, 5 rue Benoît Bunico, Old Nice
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Free Entry
Learn more about “My Carnival” by Pascal Masson aka Nikaia-Garibaldi
Karaoke “Nissa la Bella Carnival”
Friday, February 20
Traditional songs from Nice are part of the Carnival in a grand karaoke. Come sing along with Albert Tosan and the choir Les Voix de Nice.
5 PM at Bibliothèque Raoul Mille, 33 boulevard Malausséna
Free Entry, subject to availability
“Nice la Belle” celebrates its carnival
Wednesday, February 25
Folk songs from the County of Nice by the group “Nice la Belle,” celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026.
7 PM at Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur – Foyer Caballé
Free Entry
Catarina Segurana!
Wednesday, February 25
In line with the annual Nice Carnival theme “Long live the Queen,” the heroine Catherine Ségurane is celebrated in the play “Catarina Segurana!” A fun, impactful, accessible, and educational performance. Presented on the occasion of the World Commedia dell’arte Day by Théâtre de La Semeuse, directed by Frédéric Rey.
From 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Mediterranean University Center, 65 Promenade des Anglais
Free Entry
Children’s Veglione / Election of the Little King and Little Queen of Carnival
Friday, February 27
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Nice was the prime location for masked balls organized for Carnival. Nice revives this tradition, now also for children! The only requirement to participate in this masked ball and learn traditional dances from Nice: come in costume!
Join the smallest of the grand stages for a festive moment and the election of the little King and little Queen of Carnival.
From 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Stockfish, 5 Avenue François Mitterrand
Free, registration on Nice.fr required
Conference “Once Upon a Time at the Viareggio Carnival”
Saturday, February 28
With Annie Sidro, historian of the Nice Carnival, and Corinne Roger, Carnival organizer from Viareggio
2:30 PM at the Mediterranean University Center, 65 Promenade des Anglais
Free Entry
Program offered by the Language, Culture and Niçoise Tradition Department of the City of Nice
Learn more Niçoise festivals – City of Nice
The AnimaNice Centres in Nice offer a varied programme!
The libraries of Nice are getting into the Carnival spirit.
→ Discover a varied program for both young and old!
Program
Winter Holidays at the Maison de l’Environnement
From Tuesday, February 17 to Friday, February 27 – 2 PM to 5 PM
During the winter holiday period, the Maison de l’Environnement offers, every afternoon from Tuesday to Friday, an activity for children or families: pancake contest on Mardi Gras with a snack for children; making wooden birdhouses, Bib Mobile with carnival activities; experimental workshops on climate change, and more.
Free – Registration required: 04 97 07 24 60
Chouette le carnaval
Bib’Mobile – Maison de l’Environnement, 31 Avenue de Castellane
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Youth creative workshop
At the Maison de l’Environnement, we’ll create our own carnival masks, play chess, and discover wonderful stories…
Family audience
Eco Carnival
Friday, February 27 – 2 PM
An afternoon of artistic makeup (organic products), making masks from recycled materials, traditional wooden games, and more.
The Nice Carnaval Days Flea Market
From Thursday, February 19 to Saturday, February 21
In partnership with Nice Shopping, three exceptional days to enjoy the best deals and offers from local merchants.
Fifres et Tambours du Pays Niçois (Fifes and Drums of the County of Nice)
February 28, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 2:15 PM
Departure from the Fontaine du Soleil. Stroll through the Old Town of Nice up to Place Garibaldi.
The Fifres et Tambours du Pays Niçois will perform a grand passa-carriera (parade and serenades) through the streets of the Old Town. The Li Sonhaire association brings together a one-of-a-kind collective of musicians from all the valleys of the high country.
Event organized in partnership with the “Avenir Vieux-Nice” association and UMIH 06.
NICETOILE
Queen of Lights – From Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, March 8
When inspiring women light up the Nice Carnival.
For the Nice Carnival 2026, which celebrates the Queen, NICETOILE fully joins the festivities by offering a unique and engaging exhibition in the heart of downtown, just steps from the carnival parades: Queen of Lights. An immersive exhibition dedicated to women who have shaped history and collective imagination.
A dedicated space is also devoted to the history of the Queen of May, a popular tradition deeply rooted in Nice’s identity. NICETOILE also exhibits a selection of masks and costumes from previous editions of the Nice Carnival.
Finally, in line with its commitment to making the Carnival accessible to all, NICETOILE offers carnival workshops for children aged 6 and up: mask-making workshops and bouquet creation for the Battle of Flowers (reservation required – nicetoile.com), continuous makeup workshops every Saturday before, during, and after the parades. Workshops run from Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, March 1, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Summer Hotels
A Carnival experience designed as an extension of the show.
For the 2026 edition, the 7 Summer Hotels in Nice invite visitors attending the Carnival to enjoy a full experience, before and after the outdoor festivities.
On the program at the hotels: costumed teams for immediate immersion; spaces decorated in Carnival colors; free afternoon treats to warm up after the parades: hot drinks, candy bars, crepes and seasonal sweets; an open-access photocall with props and costumes to capture memories in a Carnival setting.
- Best Western Plus Hôtel Masséna: 58, rue Gioffredo, 06000 Nice
- Best Western Plus Hôtel Brice Garden: 44, rue Maréchal Joffre, 06000 Nice
- Best Western Hôtel Lakmi: 44, avenue Maréchal Foch, 06000 Nice
- Hôtel Florence: 3, rue Paul Déroulède, 06000 Nice
- Hôtel Byakko: 4-6, rue Miron, 06000 Nice
- Hôtel Locarno: 4, avenue des Baumettes, 06000 Nice
- Hôtel Khla: 31, rue Paganini, 06000 Nice
Mama Shelter
Wednesday, February 11 from 6 PM
For the Grand Charivari, Mama Shelter presents the After Charivari, a festive and family-friendly event.
Children’s activities from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, including creative workshops and carnival-themed entertainment, with animators: grenadine offered to all costumed children, happy hour for parents, festive dinner on-site to continue the Charivari spirit.
Wednesday, February 18 from 7 PM
Vive les Reines, an evening celebrating women with live music and DJ set (100% female). Program includes female-only music, activities highlighting women’s energy, creativity, and freedom, creating a powerful, joyful, and inclusive atmosphere in the spirit of the Carnival.
Thursday, February 26 from 7:30 PM
Mama Loves Carnaval, a festive evening with Brazilian vibes, DJ set, dancers, and batucada, immersing guests in the colors of Brazil and Latin America: Latin and Brazilian DJ set, dance show by the official dancers of the Nice Carnival, and the Batucada de Nice to heat up the party.
Saturday, February 28 from 3 PM to 5 PM
Kids Party, in partnership with Atelier Pignataro.
Children will participate in creative workshops, making their own Carnival creations (masks, props, carnival-inspired crafts), all in a joyful, colorful, and musical atmosphere… including the traditional dance party!
Learn more about Mama Shelter’s programming.
Hotel Aston La Scala
Mannequins and costumes from the Nice Carnival on the theme “Vive la Reine” will immerse Hotel Aston La Scala in the festive spirit of this iconic winter event.
Full programming coming soon.
Ammi Hotels & Aparthotels
Ammi Hotels & Aparthotels organize various carnival initiatives across their establishments:
- Mask-making workshops for children hosted in the hotels.
- A corner dedicated to Carnival history, culture, and information, with books and articles in different languages, to explain the Carnival’s history and evolution over the years.
- Festive breakfasts and welcome treats, featuring Nice specialties (bugnes, socca, etc.).
This year again, the City of Nice offers a varied program for the little ones: costumes, music, face painting, creative workshops, and more.
A “Decorate Your Nativity Scene” challenge is also launched, themed around the Carnival, in all participating facilities. Children, parents, and professionals are invited to showcase their creative talents. Intergenerational meetings are also organized. Workshops and activities will be offered to families visiting the Parent-Child Reception Centers. Festive moments for the enjoyment of both the youngest and the older children.
Variétés: Sunday, February 22 – special screening focused on female Captains, aimed at children.
Rialto : Le Jeu de la Reine (The Queen’s Game) by Karim Aïnouz, February 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Pathé Lingostière / Gare du Sud / Massena: The Pathé cinemas in Nice highlight the Carnival of Nice and its spirit with a dedicated program. Program to come.
To not miss anything of the Carnival in the City, check the agenda on Nice.fr. The program is being updated; more events coming soon!
