Nice invites to the carnival Jan 28, 2010
Pathetic and aristocratic city of Nice will look totally different from the 12th to the 28th of February. The traditional Carnival de Nice will be held on the streets of the city. Thousands of travelers come to Nice every year to see the carnival, also due to the fact that warm Mediterranean climate of Nice makes for great mood and pleasant pastime.
The history of the carnival numbers more than a hundred of years and has a religious basis. The dates of holding the carnival are slightly changed every year, but the traditional event takes place in February, just before the beginning of the great 40 day fast. In Middle Ages city dwellers used the carnival as a reason to eat, drink their fill and have fun before the fast starts when all the sensitive pleasures are forbidden.
Nowadays, loud processions common for all the carnivals of the world become the main festive act.
The most special feature of the carnival in Nice is a flower parade. About 20 platforms are richly decorated with daisies, roses, carnations, lilies, and of course, famous mimosa, the symbol of Nice in spring. Dancers, musicians, actors, as well as carnival participants, city dwellers dressed in costumes and masks follow the platforms. The carnival procession goes along the Promenade des Angles until late evening when the flower show is changed with the spectacular fireworks, the web-site of the carnival reports.
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