Burning Kings and Flower Battles: Inside France’s Carnivals

The months of January through March contain some of the wildest and most symbolically historical celebrations in France. Many even originate due to Pagan, medieval Catholic or regional customs.

Carnaval de Nice (February 11 - March 1, 2026)

The Nice Carnival is a spectacle of color, satire, music and giant paper mache figures called  Grosses Tetes (big heads). It’s one of the world’s oldest and largest carnivals that was first documented in 1294 by the Count of Provence, Charles Anjou. The carnival’s origins lie in medieval Catholic pre-Lenten festivities, A celebration of absurdity prior to the austerity of Lent. 

The city of Nice added a Mediterranean twist with masquerades, parades and mock battles all sponsored by the nobles who visited the area. In 1873, an artist named Alexis Mossa transformed the Carnival into what the modern experience that we have now with elaborate floats and a satirical King who reigned over the festivities. The festival ends with symbolically burning the King which represents the end of winter and purification of social tensions. Every year, the carnival chooses a theme to mock either global political figures or celebrities through caricature and they are the contemporary King. 

La Bataille des Fleurs (Part of Carnaval de Nice)

Created in 1876, originally as a parade for wealthy tourists wintering on the Cote d’Azure, the first Battle of Flowers on the Promenade des Anglais, was created by Andriot Saëtone. Initially, it was simply a flower exchange, but the Battles of Flowers quickly evolved to honor the work of local growers. Since 2005, the theme of the Battles of Flowers has been related to the Carnival de Nice. In addition, about 80% of the flowers used are locally grown!

Carnaval de Dunkerque (January 3 - April 12, 2026)

Dunkirk’s carnival has an old feel to it, unlike Nice’s polished parades. The carnival’s  origins date back to the early 17th century as a send-off ritual for the sailors who went away for many months to fish in colder waters. This tradition has survived to this day, despite the test of time. 

Carnival-goers wear tutus, bright costumes, and face paint to parade in a happy, family-friendly atmosphere. Every Saturday night there is a grand ball. The bands or orchestras generally entertain people in the streets on Sunday afternoons. Bands roam the streets with drums and bagpipes, arm-in-arm, chanting and dancing for hours.

However, the festival carries controversy with it. There is a ‘Nuit des Noirs’ (Night of the Blacks) event where some participants choose to wear minstrel make-up and clothing to resemble African tribal figures. What is even more interesting about this racist event that takes place during the carnival, is that it’s a relatively new addition to the festivities. Essentially, just another reason to put down Black people for the sake of a good time. Despite this disturbing reality, the carnival insists that it maintains community solidarity, which is a quite rich statement… 

Carnaval de Limoux (January 10 - March 22, 2026)

Located in the Aude region of southern France, Limoux hosts the longest-running carnival in the country, sometimes lasting 10 weeks. The festival is deeply entwined with the local wine-growing economy. There’s colorful parades, lively music, and elaborate costumes. Les Fécos alongside musicians roaming the streets.

Limoux’s carnival is quieter, more ritualistic, and more intimate than Nice or Dunkirk. The pacing is purposefully slower. Its history connects to medieval confraternities and rural community identity.