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Mardi Gras

It’s time to get your party on!

February 21, 2015 by Patricia Sands 4 Comments

If it’s Friday, it must be France …

Once February arrives in Nice, you know Carnaval is not far off. Revellers arrive from around the world to join in the celebration that lasts for two weeks. Parades, floats, flowers, bands, magicians, fireworks, presentations, and food … all this and more!

Photo credit ~ Carnaval de Nice 2015 official program
Photo credit ~ Carnaval de Nice 2015 official program

The theme this year is music and the King Of Music leads all the parades with the biggest float. Parades take place day and night for 15 days with a variety of themes and more than 1000 musicians and dancers. The enormous papier-maché configurations are spectacular. Gigantic balloon figures dominate the daytime spaces and breathtaking fireworks over the Mediterranean turn every evening into a pyrotechnical fantasy world.

Here’s a quick peek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdsXAMerT7g

And did I mention food? This is France, after all!

And watch out for silly string! Really? To read more about the long (and often hilarious) history of this carnival, please visit this post by Margo Lestz. She always knows the most fascinating details!

In Canada we have Winterlude in Ottawa and the Carnaval de Québec in Quebec City plus 18 other winter festivals I didn’t know about until I researched this post. Have you been to any of these? One thing they all have in common? You definitely need to bundle up!

In Nice, not so much … but this year you might need an umbrella and rain gear. Unfortunately, some of last week’s events had to be cancelled due to rain. Mother Nature is playing havoc with weather all over the globe!

Check out the photo contest on Instagram and Twitter ‪#‎ignicecarnaval‬!

Have you celebrated at any of the other famous carnivals … in Rio de Janeiro  or New Orleans or Venice? Or in your opinion is the best one right in your own hometown?

 

Credit ~ Carnaval de Nice 2015 official program
Credit ~ Carnaval de Nice 2015 official program

~~~~~

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Filed Under: Blog, France, If it is France..., Writing Tagged With: Carnaval de Nice 2015, France, Mardi Gras, Nice, Ottawa, Québec, Rio de Janeiro, Venice, winter carnivals

Carnaval De Nice – only 2 days left…

March 2, 2012 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

If it’s Friday, it must be France …

Mon Dieu! We have to hurry to catch the final weekend of the 2012 Carnaval de Nice. This is the 128th celebration of this world-famous festival that rivals those of Rio De Janeiro and Venice.

Parades, floats, flowers, bands, magicians, fireworks, presentations, and food … all this and more! Parades take place day and night for 15 days with a variety of themes and more than 1000 musicians and dancers. The enormous papier-maché configurations are spectacular. Gigantic balloon figures dominate the daytime spaces and breathtaking fireworks over the Mediterranean turn every evening into a pyrotechnical fantasy world.

Photo by debs-eye

 Click here to see a video and other information and here for more detailed explanations about the floats. You’ll be entertained – I promise!

The theme this year is the King Of Sport and the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London are highlighted. Yes … I know some of you might find this hard to believe … but the French featured many floats about Britain and didn’t say anything nasty! Carnival is a time of love and harmony … flower fights, wine and food tasting, concerts from jazz to rock to classical and wild, crazy partying a long list of activities to suit everyone’s wishes. No question there is something for everyone!

Copr. EPA – Mail online Mar.2/12

Go to this link for more photos of hilarious and amazing floats. You’re going to want to book a ticket for next year!

I’ll leave you with this one last link to the Promenade Des Anglais Blog which gives tremendous information about the Côte D’Azur. That’s where this photo of a Flower Parade float is from. This particular post talks specifically about the Carnaval but, if you have the time, take a look at other videos that showcase the stunning city of Nice and it’s uniquely magnificent setting between the Maritime Alps and the Mediterranean.

I took this photo on the 20-minute drive to Nice from Antibes, one crisp clear May morning. To the east of Antibes the beaches are pebble (galets) . To the west they are sand. Take your pick. The rather noticeable buildings are the Baie Des Anges condos and marina which make up the only high-rise development on the Riviera. No others have been allowed, thank goodness.

I have to stop talking about Nice now as I feel a serious malaise setting in … I want to be there! Waaaaah …. sigh!

If you are finding winter long and dreary … go skiing! … seriously, I know winter sports don’t excite everyone … so take a look at some of these great options! If you can’t actually go to them, you can read about them and check out the photos. That can be fun too! Did any of you go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year? How about Ottawa’s Winterfest or Carnaval de Québec? Now’s the time to make some plans for next year!

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Filed Under: Blog, France, If it is France..., Photo blogs Tagged With: 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist, Carnaval de Nice, Carnaval de Québec, Cote D'Azur, follow your dreams, ForeWord 2010 Book Of The Year Finalist, lifelong friendship, Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Ottawa, Patricia Sands, The Bridge Club, the power of friendship, Winterfest

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