press kit

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CArNiVAL 2013CONTENTS

WHAT’S NEW The Theme : King of the five continents P.3The Guest of Honour : French-spaeking Games P.3Another huge novelty P.3A joint programme P.3The carnaval de Nice P.3A cleaner carnival P.4Transmission P.4 CARNIVAL PARADES P.5Elements of Animation P.6The “BAT” P.6The Street performances P.6

FLOWER PARADES P.7The floats P.8The florists P.8The costums P.8The Queen’s election P.8

PROGRAMME P.9

HISTORY OF THE CARNIVAL Origins P.10The modern Carnival P.11

Key dates and themes P.12

The Carnival in figures P.13

PRACTICAL INFORMATION P.14Itineraries P.14PRESS INFORMATION P.14

Press Contacts:Isabelle Billey-QuéréOlivia ZurcherCaterina Prochilopresse@otcnice.comTél. 0033 (0)4 92 14 46 15

The theme: King of the five continentsFrom 15 February to 6 March 2012, the “King of the five continents” will reign over the 129th Carnaval de Nice, the most important winter event on the French Riviera. In 2013, Nice will celebrate the 140 years of today’s Nice Carnival: with, in 1873, the first spectacular floats creating processions, and also the grandstand seats... In fact, it became a real show as we know it today. The 2013 Carnival will be «King of the five continents» : the theme remaining true to its vocation of universality. A journey through time and space opening all perspectives to imagination.

The guest of honour: French-speaking GamesHis majesty will welcome a guest of honour: French-speaking Games As for the guest of honour, Nice playing host to the seventh French-speaking Games in 2013, it was a natural choice.

Another huge noveltyAnother huge novelty: the Rock’n’Roll Carnival Ten miles! This event, taking place in the mythical setting of the Baie des Anges, will combine running, music and charity. Organized by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, it is the largest global running program that involves more than 500.000 participants from 30 American and European cities. It will be followed by the “Bain du carnival” which is also a charity event.

A joint programmeThis year’s programme has been completely rethought in association with the other Riviera festivities, the Menton Lemon Festival and Mandelieu Mimosa festival. The teams of the three events have worked together on a combined calendar…

The Carnaval de NiceThe carnival is made up of two major events: the Carnival parade -or, at night, Parade of lights- and the Flower Parade. There are very different kinds of entertainment.

18 allegorical or comical floats, supported by entertainers, street artists and musical groups from five continents will parade around Place Masséna. These carnivalesque parades will look like journeys of discovery... a trip round the world in 90 minutes!

The grace and elegance of the flower battles by the sea will be a reminder of the power of flowers and highlight the floral heritage of the region. It’s a more poetical facet of the carnival which is, however, integrally linked to the more ironic elements.

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WHAt’s NeW

An ‘ever-green’ carnivalThe carnival continues its environmentally friendly approach and, like the city as a whole is attentive to sustainable development and loyal to the spirit of this great, popular festval. There will be humour, mockery and poetry.

Some initiatives, as evidenced by the eco-accredited companies and services that incorporate recycling chosen through tenders are being used for this 2012 carnival. Furthermore, after testing 5 electric cars in 2011, all towing cars used in the Flower Parade are electric.

At every event, the 4 to 5 tonnes of waste collected by the refuse services are recycled. It takes 1½ hours to clean up after each Flower Parade and 2 hours after every Carnival procession.

TransmissionWhile the term transgression is always a key element in carnival, the Nice carnival also pays tribute to the word transmission. For decades, the carnival has been studied in primary school classes. The children are introduced to tradition while creating their costumes to join in the fun.

The signing of an agreement between the city and/or the civil authorities and the local education authority has extended the educational application to university level. A planned performing arts industry degree with an option featuring carnival techniques and symbolism is currently being validated by the ministry and becomes a reality at the faculty of arts at Nice Sophia-Antipolis University.

Over the last two years, the number of district carnivals has increased. At the instigation of the Nice Convention and Visitors Bureau (OTC) and its coordinator, Annie SIDRO, a carnival historian, all regions have organised dawn serenades and street parties. The administrative departments and social and cultural associations of all the districts have created real events throughout the city. Together with conferences and exhibitions, these events are the inseparable cultural addition to a heritage occasion.

Long carnival processions take place in Ariane, Bon-Voyage-Pasteur, Moulins- St-Augustin, North Nice and the city centre, Madeleine-Bornala and district groups also create their own street parties. Event-goers will be accompanied by musical groups and the «Giants» of the main Nice Carnival. Costumes have been created according to the selected themes.

This year, the arrival of the King will be accompanied by the spectacle of a thousand children from the city’s schools.

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On Friday evening, The Majesty King Carnival and his Queen, make their entrance on the Promenade des Anglais: theirs ephemeral reign will thus be announced and folly will know no bounds; originality and exuberance are recommended.

The Carnival Parade is made up of some 18 floats designed on the theme with 50 big heads and 100 attraction elements in a colourful parade with dazzling colours, and the participation of street theatre as well as music groups from all over the world. In the evening, all the floats are illuminated and the evening parades light up the heart of Nice.

On the very last evening, His Majesty King Carnival marches alone before being burned in a bonfire at sea or on the strand. A firework display set to music inspired by the theme then lights up the bay. This event is heralded by 1,000 school children. For the last eight years, the education authorities have worked together with the NCVB on a pedagogic project on the theme of Carnival.

Each Carnival is an ephemeral original production. Being a Carnavalier is not a profession; it is a passion, a calling. La Maison du Carnaval, the vast workshop in which the Carnavaliers labour, becomes a magical place for a few months. The work achieved is the result of collaboration with an artistic coordinator from the cinema and advertising field, Eric Dubreil.

Even if new procedures, techniques and materials have paved the way for the mechanisation, articulation and modernisation of elements, the basis for float and big head construction has remained identical to its origins.

The creation of a papier-maché figure uses ancestral techniques: layers of paper are glued one by one inside a mould. Then the painters join in, to leave their mark on this art form so specific to Nice and, finally, the costume artists dress the characters with bright lively colours. The twenty floats, monsters weighing over 2 metric tons and 8 to 12 metres high, are ready to enter the arena.

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CArNiVAL pArAde

Elements of animationThe elements of animation are satellites of the floats which are conceived according to the theme of each and accompany them on the procession. They can rise up to 6 meters in height and constitute a very important contribution for the scenography of the event.

These subjects take very varied forms, use materials and techniques very diverse. So, the traditional « Big heads « in pasteboard, among 50, are placed next to sirens in inflatable structures or other subjects in “plastazote” or moldings in resin… All in all, about 110 parts strengthen the device of animation of the Carnival Parade.

The “BAT “ : the Stand Animation SquadLa Brigade d’Animation Tribunes gathers professional entertainment workers endowed with a strong energy to breathe a supplement of life in stands and processions of the Carnival of Nice.60 classic acrobats, or of street (stunts, jumps, «urban» balance), wading birds, jugglers, tightrope walkers, contortionists and urban dancers (Hiphop, Street Dance, “tektonik”) for half amateurs contribute to multiply tenfold the party.

The Street performances

A genuine reference for the Carnival of Nice, street arts punctuate the parades, blending different world, cultures and fantasy to the original floats in the Carnival and Flower Parades.

Again this year, famous street artists will offer a will to open to the world; 70 groups from all over the world, one-third professionals, one-third amateurs and one-third local people presenting their latest creation during the parades.

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OriginsIt was on the seafront, along Promenade des Anglais, that the first Flower Procession (Bataille de Fleurs) was held in 1876 by Andriot Saëtone. Soon, the timid exchanges of bouquets of flowers between the rich winter visitors’ decorated carriages developed into a prestigious show, now an integral part of Carnival.

Today, this event promotes the quality and large variety of Riviera flowers: Indeed 85% of flowers used are produced locally. 20 flower covered floats parade along the promenade des Anglais from the Negresco Hotel to avenue des Phocéens. On each float, 2 or 3 costumed young ladies (or men) will throw some 80 – 100,000 flowers to an enthusiastic audience: gladioli, tokyos, mimosa, gerberas, daisies, roses and carnations.

Since 2005, the flower floats are in harmony with the Carnival ones, a parade of floral staging on the same theme. Their construction is a long and meticulous task, nonetheless carried out in a short space of time by the masters of the art of “pinning” the florists. The costumes are created in a special workshop for the Flower Parades led.

These Flower Parades are the only ones of their kind in the world and are among the most highly appreciated events on the French Riviera. Nice exports its expertise in this field of elegance, charm and beauty all over the world.

These flower parades, coordinated with carnival floats, are procession of vegetable scenes on the same theme. Their realization represents accurate one and long work, nevertheless made within a very short deadline by masters of the art of the pricking whom are the florists. Costumes are born in a studio of creation which is completely devolved to them. They are unique models, conceived as for the theater.

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fLoWer pArAde

The floatsArtistic coordinator, Eric Dubreil, devised and designed modular floats. Thus, the floats in Flower Parades are now all designed to provide 360° panoramic visibility. Their Meccano-type structure and their far more modern architecture also make it possible to increase the volumes and platforms.

Some floats are articulated, other have several levels. There are two major advantages: the possibility of creating a genuine scenography on the floats and, for photographers and cameramen, a parade that progresses with no backlighting.

The FloristsSome twenty florists work in the workshop 72 hours before each event to decorate with the flowers. This ephemeral art is performed in a world of colours and fragrances worthy of a beehive.

The CostumsDesigned by the “Batailles de Fleurs” costume workshop, they reflect the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean, perfectly in keeping with the theme of Carnival.

The creations result from the collective work of four enthusiastic costume makers, all experienced wardrobe mistresses. The choice of fabrics and materials makes ample use of recycling and imagination.

The Queen’s electionJust as last year, the election of the Queen of Nice Carnival will be held online, on:www.nicecarnaval.comOn January 2013, the Internet users of the whole world can vote for their favorite candidate among 9 selected young women.A profile of each of them will allow the visitors of the official website of the carnival to discover them in all their magnificence. It will contain a clip filmed in a symbolic place of the city of Nice, photos were taken during a shooting in the hotel Le Negresco and some additional information on their passions and their personality. The result will be announced on February during the presentation of the Queen and her two heirs apparent. Ten voters, drawn lots, will win prizes for their participation.

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proGrAMMe

• Friday, February 158:30 pm Opening festivities (free entrance)

• Saturday, February 16  2:30 pm Flower Parade9 pm Carnival Parade of lights

• Sunday, February 178:30 am Carnival Race Rock’n’Roll 10 miles12 pm Carnival swim (free entrance)

• Tuesday, February 19 2:30 pm Carnival Parade• Wednesday, February 20

2:30 pm Flower Parade• Saturday, February 23

2:30 pm Flower Parade9 pm Carnival Parade of lights

• Sunday, February 242:30 pm Carnival Parade

• Tuesday, February 262:30 pm Carnival Parade

• Wednesday, February 272:30 pm Flower Parade

• Saturday, March 22:30 pm Flower Parade9 pm Carnival Parade of lights

• Sunday, March 32:30 pm Carnival Parade

• Tuesday, March 59 pm Carnival Parade of lights

• Wednesday, March 62:30 pm Flower Parade9 pm Closing Festivities Incineration and fireworks display (free entrance)

Duration of the parades : around 1.30 hrsSubject to modifications

Carnival parade: Place Masséna : big screen, decoration, activities (paying entrances or stands). Free area (standing) around Jardin Albert 1er.Flower parade: Quai des Etats-Unis - Promenade des Anglais

rAtesCarnival Parade20€ numbered seat10 € standing areaNight Carnival Parade25 € numbered seat10 € standing areaFlower Parade25 € numbered seat10 € standing area

Special 2-events packages(except on Saturdays)35 € (Flower Parade + Carnival Parade or Parade of Lights in numbered seat)

Children’s rate0 to 5 years : Free of charge(access to reserved seatingon parents lap : 1 child/adult)6 to 12 years : 10 € numbered seat5 € standing area

Rates for handicapped persons(+ 1 accompanying person)10 € numbered seat or reserved area

OriginsThe most widely accepted etymology for the word “Carnival” is “carne levare” (“away with meat”). By the Middle Ages, the people of Nice, before fasting forty days according to the Catholic tradition of Lent, enjoyed rich, plentiful cuisine.

The better to celebrate this time of merriment, all excesses were authorized. It was also a time for mocking everything and everybody at everyone’s expense, behind masks, protected by disguises until Mardi Gras.

The first historical reference to Carnival in Nice dates back to 1294 when Charles d’Anjou, Count of Provence, mentions having spent in Nice “some joyous days of carnival”.

In the 17th century any excess was quickly brought under control by the “Abbés des Fous” whose role was to direct popular activity. Under the influence of the Venice Carnival, “Veglioni” or balls become more common that street entertainment.

Carnival festivities were interrupted during the major political and military events which marked history such as the French revolution or the first empire.

In 1830, the first parade was organised in honour of Charles Felix and Marie-Christine, sovereigns of the Piemont Sardinia Kingdom. Thirty carriages paraded for the King and Queen to announce the coming Carnival.

Until 1872, informal celebrations took place in the streets of Nice, with everyone joining in their own fashion: the crowd in fancy-dress launched battles of plaster confetti, flour and eggs.

* Bibliographical sources: Nice Carnival, Tradition and Annie Sidro’s modernity; Look for Carnival of Franck R. and archive OTCN

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story of tHe CArNiVAL

The modern CarnivalIn 1873, Andriot Saëtone of Nice took the initiative of founding the “Festival Committee” entrusted with organizing and magnifying the Carnival of Nice under the municipality’s patronage. Parades of floats, paying stands and a more structured production made their appearance.

On 23rd February 1873, Carnival 1st made his entrance. Today’s Carnival was born, to which Alexis Mossa and then his son Gustav Adolf brought a surprising particularity, both fabulous and grotesque, up until 1971, and created the models of the most spectacular floats to parade in Nice.

On 14th February 1882, His Majesty “Triboulet” made a triumphant entrance into the city: the simple rag and straw man participated for the first time in the parade on a royal float similar to those of today.

The parades took place around the city on ten or more different routes and, once the parade was over, festivities carried on in the different neighbourhoods, smaller floats specially created for the occasion became symbols of even more localised entertainment.

The first and second World Wars prevented the Carnival from reigning for several years. In 1991, Carnival was due to “King of Madness” but the Golf War there again put an end to things. It is interesting to note that the theme of madmen and madness had also been chosen for 1915 and 1940!

For a unique event, a unique choice of cartoonists! To celebrate the King of Euroland in 2002, European and world press artists gave their vision of the introduction of the Euro, an initiative which has remained ever since.

For the beginning of this century, special attention is taken in the choice of themes and the creation of the floats. The carnavaliers have integrated the use of new materials, new technologies and have made use of sculptors.

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Key dates and themes1294 - First mention of Carnival by Charles of Anjou, Count of Provence1830 - First cortege organised in tribute to the Sovereigns of Piemonte-Sardinia1873 - Foundation of the Festival Committee and the 1st Carnival Procession1876 - Creation of the 1st Flower Parades1889 - First poster advertising the Carnival of Nice1892 - Appearance of plaster confetti1905 - 1st official Carnival song1921 - First electric lights1955 - Last fights with plaster confetti1984 - Carnival celebrates the first Hundred Years of Reign1996 - Carnival is organised by the Tourist Bureau of Nice1997 - New staging by Gad Weil2000 - All floats designed by “Serguei” of Le Monde2002 - Participation of a group of European and international cartoonists2005 - All the events on Promenade des Anglais2006 - Creation of an original soundtrack2007 - Free entrance to standing areas for Carnival parades2009 - Back on the Place Massena2011 - First electric cars in the Flower parade

The themes1990 - King of Laughter1991 - King of Madness... cancelled during the Gulf War1992 - King of Kings1993 - King of Europe1994 - King of the Arts1995 - King of Cinema1996 - King of Music1997 - King of Sport1998 - King of the Circus1999 - King of the 20th century2000 - King of Odyssées.com2001 - King of the Third Millennium2002 - King of the Euroland2003 - King of the .comMedi@2004 - King of the xClownery2005 - King of the Deranged Climate2006 - King of Dupes2007 - King of the Grand Free-for-all2008 - King of Bats, Cats, Rats and Other Legendary Creatures 2009 - King of Mascarades2010 - King of the Blue Planet2011 - King of the Mediterranean2012 - King of Sport

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Carnival in figures

Frequentation

In 2012, the affluence was more than satisfactory with ticket sales increasing 4.6%, with a parallel positive trend in frequentation estimated at over 1 million in the city. Over 192,576 tickets were sold for Carnival 2012, with overall revenue on the order of €2.416.336. Total economic fallout is estimated from €30m to €33m for a budget of some €7m.

The Carnival cortege

• 20 floats, 12 m in length, 3 m wide and between 8 m to 18 m high• the 3 leading floats are always the King, the Queen, the Carnavalon followed by their court composed with 17 floats and the “soufflerie” blowing out confetti,• each week-end, 20 troups enriched the parades,• 1/3 street theatre troupes, one-third music groups from Nice and the Region,• 1/3 music and other entertainment groups from all over the world,• some twenty different groups, every weekend, process to the Carnival and Flower Parades.• approximately 20 tons of confetti will be used on the parades by artists and spectators…

Big heads ...

• about 150 attraction elements, satellites of the floats among which 50 “big heads”• their weight vary from 10 to 12 kg each, but is

reduced by half thanks to the plastazote and to a tenth by the inflatable versions,

• during Carnival, they will cover the distance of a marathon race,• each person carrying a big head expends

approximately 1 megajoule of energy during Carnival.

The construction of each Flower Parade float requires…

• four to five thousand fresh-cut flowers,• 80% of these flowers are produced locally,

planted as early as November,• each one is 7 metres long, 2 metres wide and 6metres tall,

all moving• 72 hours of work concentrated in two and a half days,• 400 cakes of foam (23 x 11 x 7), • 10 kg of wire,• 2 live models on each float throwing some 20 kg of mimosa and fresh-cut flowers into the crowd.

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Itineraries

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ENTRÉE «BATAILLE DE FLEURS»FLOWER PARADE ENTRANCE

ENTRÉE «CORSO CARNAVALESQUE»CARNIVAL PARADE ENTRANCE

ESPACE PERSONNES À MOBILITÉ RÉDUITEDISABLED PERSON AREA

TRIBUNES «BATAILLE DE FLEURS»FLOWER PARADE STANDS

TRIBUNES «CORSO CARNAVALESQUE»CARNIVAL PARADE STANDS

PARCOURS «BATAILLE DE FLEURS»FLOWER PARADE ITINERARY

PARCOURS «CORSO CARNAVALESQUE»CARNIVAL PARADE ITINERARY

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PARKING PERSONNES À MOBILITÉ RÉDUITECAR PARK FOR DISABLED PERSON

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POINT D’INFORMATION OFFICE DU TOURISME ET DES CONGRÈSCONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU INFORMATION DESK

OFFICE DU TOURISME ET DES CONGRÈSCONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU5 Promenade des AnglaisTél. : 33 (0)892 707 407 (0,34 € TTC mn)

www.nicetourisme.com - www.nicecarnaval.com

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prACtiCAL iNforMAtioN

For de General Public:00 33 (0)892 707 407 (0,34 €/mn)

www.nicecarnaval.com / www.nicetourisme.cominfo@otcnice.com

To prepare an individual stay: www.nicetourisme.biz

Press information :presse@otcnice.com

Tél. 00 33 (0)4 92 14 46 15

Photos of Nice are available on http://www.nicetourisme.com/pro, in the menu Press, and Online services - Photos & Videos. You can download pictures of Nice or the Carnival (300 DPI), free of use. Each use of these pictures must have the compulsory mention : Office du Tourisme & des Congrès de NIce o the name of the photographer/OTC NIce. The drawings of the Carnival designers muts bear the name on the artist

We are glad to invite you to collect your accreditation at our press office, located at the Tourist & Convention Visitors Bureau - 5, Promenade des Anglais - from early FebruaryFrom that date, the press office will be open everyday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, except on the days of the events (9:30 am to 1:00 pm)

This accreditation is strictly personal, being nominative, and will granted to you on presentation of your press card or a letter of support, showing that you are commissioned. We thank you for your understanding and hope to welcome you very soon.

Special rates for journalists on presentation of their credentials.

press iNforMAtioN

And to keep yourself updated with live Carnival news, follow us on Facebook and Twitter

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carnaval-de-Nice-Officielhttp://twitter.com/nice_carnaval

Information: 0892 707 407 (0,34 €/mn)

www.nicecarnaval.com / www.nicetourisme.cominfo@otcnice.com

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