NICE, FRANCE — Never is there as much confetti as there is during Carnaval. Parents run up to street vendors and buy dozens of euros’ worth of silly string, confetti bags and noisemakers for their children. Most buy a few for themselves, as well. The colors, the continuous upbeat techno music and the intricate floats with characteristically dark French humor mark Nice’s 128th Carnaval celebration that began Feb. 17.
Nice’s beaches and colorful streets start to attract crowds as the opening weekend of Carnaval approaches each year. This year’s theme was “King of Sport,” a universal subject that the masterminds behind Carnaval hoped would draw international guests. Many floats showcased popular sports from the French Riviera region, such as water skiing and soccer, and others paid homage to the upcoming Summer Olympics in London.
There are four main events during opening weekend: The opening ceremonies, the Flower Parade, the Parade of Lights and the Carnaval Parade. Each has similar music and follows the same parade route through the main square, Place Massena. The Parade of Lights begins with a countdown through the loud speakers and spurts of confetti erupting from the bleachers. Those who have purchased tickets said they were surprised to find they could stand anywhere, including the middle of the parade route. “It was a lot more accessible than parades in the United States,” said Maggie Grossman, a junior from UNC-Chapel Hill studying in France this semester. “And the tone of the parade was definitely different than Disney or July Fourth parades, for example.”
This laid-back atmosphere is characteristic of French events. There were few policemen at the entrance, and everyone sprays confetti directly at the dancers on the floats without hesitation.
“It definitely wasn’t what I expected, but I enjoyed it,” said Julie Johnson, a sophomore from UNC-Chapel Hill. “It reminded me of Halloween, but it was more family-oriented.”
The two main floats of this year’s Carnaval, the “King of Sport” and “Queen of Sport,” were featured at the beginning of every parade. They were massive, with exaggerated facial features, including moving eyes.
Another float included a giant Queen of England, Prince Charles riding a tricycle and Prince William and Kate Middleton behind them, showcasing Middleton’s enormous engagement ring.
The floats that best demonstrated France’s humor are those that touch on current events. This year’s sporting misdemeanors included illegal substance use and the corruption of money in professional teams. One float featured a cyclist, presumably Lance Armstrong, with giant muscles surrounded by dancing syringes and IVs.