The Carnivals of France and Fat Tuesday

The carnival is a popular festival that goes back to Antiquity. In France, there are many carnivals celebrated each year, notably one of Nice, Dunkerque and Annecy. One of the carnivals best known is Fat Tuesday, which is a celebration in many countries. In this article, I will show you the history and traditions of France carnivals and of Fat Tuesday. 

The Nice Carnival

The Nice Carnival is one of the biggest carnivals of France and is joined by its parades of colorful floats and its light shows. Carnival began in the Middle Ages and was revived in 1873. Since then it has become an annual tradition in Nice, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Float parades are often based on a particular theme, such as fairy tales or video games. The carnival is also known for its famous « battle of flowers », where floats decorated with flowers are used to throw flowers at the crowd.

The Dunkirk Carnival

the Dunkirk Carnival is another popular carnival in France, located in the Hauts-de-France region. The carnival began in the 17th century as a party for sailors before they set out to sea. Today, the carnival is known for its bands of musicians called « gilles », who wear colorful costumes and dance in the streets. The Dunkirk carnival is also famous for its “potjevleesch”, which is a traditional dish of marinated meat served in local restaurants.

Fat Tuesday

Fat Tuesday is a Catholic holiday that marks the end of the Carnival season before the start of Lent. The holiday is celebrated in many countries, including France, where it is often associated with Carnival traditions. People wear colorful costumes and masks to celebrate the holiday, and float parades are also popular. Fat Tuesday is also known for its traditional food, such as donuts and galettes des rois.

France’s carnivals and Mardi Gras are popular celebrations with a long history and many traditions. Whether you are in Nice, Dunkirk or elsewhere in France, or even in another country, these celebrations offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and have fun with the locals. Whether you choose to wear a colorful costume or simply watch the parades, France’s carnivals and Mardi Gras are must-see events to check out.