Beyond the official program of the Nice Carnival and related events organized by municipal or cultural institutions, which are dense and can be found in the agenda, the mobilization of numerous actors in the city is strong!
Exhibition in the City
Friday, February 23, 2024, at 6 p.m.: Opening reception on the forecourt of Gare du Sud.
The city of Nice is deeply committed to involving local artists in significant cultural events, much like the request for the creation of official posters for the Nice Jazz Festival for many years. Following last year’s example, it’s now the turn of the Nice Carnival to inspire local artists! On the occasion of this new edition, themed around pop culture, the city of Nice is organizing an exhibition of works that reconnect with the pictorial tradition of historical posters created by Gustav-Adolf Mossa or Jules Chéret.
Merchants and Artisans in the Spotlight
This year more than ever, the merchants of Nice actively join the Carnival, notably the Union of Trades and Industries of Hospitality Nice Côte d’Azur, and the Employers’ Union of Coffee Shop and Restaurant Owners, the Federation of Nice Merchants, the Association of Merchants of Old Nice, and Nicetoile.
A competition for the most ‘POP’ storefront, a waiter’s race, musical animations, and numerous surprises are waiting to be discovered for the enjoyment of both young and old in all neighborhoods and downtown.
The Nice Carnival Days Bargain Sale
Thursday, February 29, Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2
In partnership with Nice Shopping, three exceptional days to take advantage of great deals and the best offers at Nice merchants.
Maison de Nice
Don’t forget your Carnival souvenirs!
Once again this year, Maison de Nice is the official store for the sale of Carnival products: 4-color pens, tote bags, A3 posters, 40×60 posters, mugs, coffee cups, notebooks, dibonds, sticker sheets.
Maison de Nice was established in 2017 and serves as the showcase for the intangible heritage of the people of Nice, focusing on quality: 100% local. It contributes to the attractiveness and influence of the city of Nice by supporting local creators, artists, and designers, offering items derived from local craftsmanship.
NICETOILE
From Saturday, February 10th, to Sunday, March 10th, NICETOILE once again immerses itself in the spirit of the Nice Carnival.
Visitors can explore an educational journey tracing the evolution of the pop art movement from its origins to the present day, providing a deep dive into the phenomenon of pop culture. The exhibition is enriched with unique and emblematic pieces, showcasing the intersection of pop culture and the world of cinema.
An exhibition is also dedicated to the major iconic figure, Marilyn Monroe.
NICETOILE is also organizing an exhibition featuring Carnival costumes, resonating with the theme of pop culture.
Creative workshops for children will take place from February 24th to March 3rd, offering young participants the opportunity to bring unusual objects to life, fully aligning with the theme of Carnival 2024. The program includes the creation of temporary tattoos, artistic works, and paintings.
The main entrance of NICETOILE and the iconic bubble elevators are also adorned with the colors of pop culture and Carnival during the festivities.
Cap 3000
February 13th to March 3rd
The city of Nice, in partnership with Cap3000, is organizing a cosplay exhibition throughout the duration of the carnival, from February 13th to March 3rd. Cosplay is a practice of embodying a fictional character, often from works of pop culture. This practice fits perfectly into the spirit of the carnival, which celebrates the joy and art of dressing up.
While cosplays can be purchased, cosplayers often create them themselves, and approximately 15 handmade costumes by amateur or professional cosplayers will be exhibited at Cap3000. These high-quality costumes will showcase various worlds such as video games, manga, Disney princesses, musicals, and TV series.
The Carnival Village
Make sure to visit this must-attend location during the festive Carnival period!
Promenade du Paillon – Square Leclerc
From Saturday, February 17th, to Saturday, March 2nd
From 11 am to 6 pm
Vibrating to the rhythm of creative workshops, artistic programming, readings, and artist’s carousels, discover true gems in this enchanted interlude. Experience Carnival in a different way and continue the festive atmosphere beyond the traditional corsos and flower battles.
On the agenda:
- Parental-Propelled Carousels by La Toupine Company: The physical condition of parents will be put to the test.
- Vintage video game arcade stations: A generational bridge between parents and children.
- Around fifteen playful wooden games from around the world.
- Creative workshops: mosaic, origami, flower crowns, caricatures, drawings, pebble decoration, and a dedicated makeup booth.
- Refreshment stand and light dining options
The artists stroll around the city
Three weekends, three atmospheres.
February 17th and 18th, launch weekend and popular day
Racebob by Animare
Village and Vieux-Nice
Driving, like a hero in a bumper car, and flirting with girls. Who hasn’t dreamed of that during adolescence? With a super-sized bumper car equipped with speakers, we create chaos in the neighborhood. We would be very lucky if, despite everything, the girls still fell for us.
Mr. Culbuto by Dynamogène Company
Village
Monsieur Culbuto, 320 kg of raw poetry. He’s a living toy desperately waiting for someone to play with him, as if it were nothing. We drag him through the streets and leave him there for a few minutes, and more if we fancy. Deep down, he couldn’t care less. Like magic, he comes to life. It’s your turn to play!
Les Tambours by Transe Express Company
Village and Pedestrian Area
One foot in tradition, the other in provocation… A clique of gleaming drums comes to sow a gust of madness in its rhythmic path.
Deep and powerful beats that make hearts pound and minds synchronize. Smooth or sharp calls that open ears and awaken passion. Repetitive and jerky impulses that take you by the hand and never let go.
Since time immemorial, peoples from here and afar have always vibrated to the sound of the drum. They are filled with hope, carry stories, and only resonate at the threshold of passion.
Les Tambours show is a musical street parade with powerful sounds combining the roots of the famous French Drum with the striking traditions from around the world.
Fanfare Nice-Orleans Jazz Orchestra by Imago
Village
The city of Nice, twinned with New Orleans since 2003, has supported the association Imago Records & Production in creating the “Nice Orleans Jazz Orchestra” to celebrate the friendship and passion of these two cities for jazz.
Comprising some of the most active musicians from the Nice scene and supported by the younger generation, this ensemble revives the great tradition of New Orleans jazz.
The Drummers’ Inn
Vieux-Nice and Village (only on February 18th)
Simeon Wolfgang and acrobats
Village (only on February 17th)
A performance that consistently wins everyone over, but how to summarize it? Energy, technique, humor… Winners of “Incroyable Talent”. They offer us a series of diverse shows combining acrobatics, contemporary dance, and breakdancing.
Simeon Wolfgang and the Sound Sniper
Village (only one February 18th)
February 25th, Hip-hop
In partnership with the Imago association
A party starting from 4:30 PM, open to those aged 12 and above, featuring DJ Dee Nasty, dancers from the Julia Funky J company, a female speaker, amateurs, and the audience to experience the Lady Rocks Party through practice and sharing.
On the agenda: Shared dances, battles between generations, soul train, demonstrations.
The party is preceded starting from 2:00 PM by two hours of workshops with a group of teenagers and a group of adults, to learn and share dance steps from different eras.
March 2nd and 3rd, closing weekend
To conclude this Carnival of Nice on the theme of “Pop Culture” in style, a multitude of festivities await you, including a grand closing party, the incineration ceremony of the King, and the iconic carnival bath.
