Roi de la Mode or King of Fashion immediately grabbed my attention. Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean-Paul Gaultier; when I saw a few of the names, I knew we were in for an extraordinary time. For fifteen days, Nice would be the fashion capital of the world via Carnaval, and it wasted no time starting the celebration with three different parades.
The Flower Parade: A Joyous BattleThe ever-popular Flower Parade or Bataille de Fleurs is extremely popular with one and all. Keeping in line with this year's theme of fashion, the giant balloons and parade walkers were clothed in attire representing the major fashion designers. We loved the serpent dressed in a YSL Mondrian Color Block wrap, and Godzilla in a stripe JPG T-shirt, to name a few.
As the creative floats rolled by, folks cheered. The noise reached a deafening level as bunches of brilliant yellow mimosa was tossed into the waiting crowds. It was a sea of yellow everywhere.
The Day-time Carnaval and Illuminated Carnaval Parades
With enormous mechanical floats, street artists, singers, and dancers from around the world, giant puppets, and music, lots of music: these parades were over-the-top. I know the fashion theme contributed to its success. Mounds of confetti covered the audience, and crepe paper banners were shot into the cheering crowds along with streams of water from super soakers. It was messy, but definitely, a fun time was had by all.
2021: The Theme?
While Carnaval recently ended, it is just the beginning for the 'decision-makers' in charge of next year's theme. I wish them luck, for it will be difficult to top the King of Fashion.
*Note* The city of Nice closed Carnaval several days early due to concerns over Covid-19.
Useful links
www.nicecarnaval.com