A costumed pair dances on a float during the Corso Final, the final parade on Fat Tuesday at the Nice Carnival. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
A costumed pair dances on a float during the Corso Final, the final parade on Fat Tuesday at the Nice Carnival. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
A costumed participant in Nice's Bataille de Fleurs carnival parade throws a bouquet of flowers to the spectators. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
FranceCarnival season breaks out under the sunny skies of Nice on Friday as the French Riviera region begins its annual pre-Lenten celebration, this year under the theme “King of the Mediterranean.”
Colorful processions featuring giant puppets, international street artists, musicians and dancers will brighten the Place Masséna on five afternoons and three illuminated nights.
Costumed characters will toss up to 100,000 mimosas, gerbera and lilies from floral-decorated floats to paradegoers during five “battle of the flowers” processions on the Promenade des Anglais. Fireworks displays finish the evening parades.
For a schedule of events and ticket prices, go to www.nicecarnaval.com/en.
• Just up the coast from Nice near the Italian border, Menton shows off the fruits of its labors at its annual Lemon Festival, which begins Sunday and continues through March 9.
Due to the warm climate that allows the area to grow an abundance of lemons, tangerines and oranges, the city celebrates by decorating floats with the citrus fruits and parading them by day along the Promenade du Soleil on three Sunday afternoons and at night on two Thursdays. A citrus exhibition travels to the four corners of the world and the Jardins Biovès (gardens) are illuminated at night on five evenings.
For all the details, go to www.fete-du-citron.com/Lemon-Festival-Menton-French,34.html.
EnglandIn 1014, it was Viking vs. Viking in the town of Jorvik (which eventually became the city of York) as the adventurer and heir to the Norwegian throne, Olaf Haraldsson, stood up to the occupying Danes, who were enforcing their code of laws, the Danelaw, on the region’s English citizens. Who won this battle for power?
For the answer, head to York’s annual Jorvik Viking Festival, which starts Saturday and continues through Feb. 27. A variety of activities — including walks, speakers, tours, re-enactments and children’s workshops — explore Viking life and history in the city of York, built on the ruins of Jorvik.
The final battle re-enactment and boat burning take place on the last weekend.
For the full program, check out www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/viking-festival.
