The Nice Carnival is just around the time when the south of France is soaking up the early spring sunshine.
The “Carnival King” enters Massena Square in the city centre.
Back in the day, the people of Europe believed that it was the devil who brought darkness and cold in wintertime. This is where the custom of chasing off the gloom (represented by the King) and welcoming the long-awaited spring came about.
Everyone dresses up to their heart’s content and enjoys the extraordinary day, regardless of if they are rich or poor, a local or a visitor.
In Nice, the city of flowers, beautiful women representing Côte d’Azur take part in the opulent oceanside parade on floats decorated with mimosa, roses, and gladiolus.
The lemon-yellow color of the mimosa flowers looks particularly stunning against the azure Mediterranean Sea. They bring joy to the residents of Nice, who have been long awaiting the arrival of early spring.
Fireworks are displayed on the final evening, and the King is burned on the beach.
The end of the carnival marks the true arrival of spring in Côte d’Azur.