Lou Carnival is free, festive, and fiercely inclusive, a one-of-a-kind event that has rapidly carved out its place as a must-see moment on the
Côte d’Azur’s cultural calendar.
Backed by the COC LGBTQI association and proudly supported by the City of Nice, Lou Queernaval is not just a parade rolling through town—it’s a joyful occupation of public space. It brings together LGBTQIA+ communities, allies, families, locals, and international visitors for a
celebration that blends Niçois tradition with unapologetic pride. With events across the city, Queernaval is taking place at all of the local LGBTQ+ establishments.
The name itself says it all. Lou—“the” in the Niçois dialect—meets Queer and Carnaval, grounding the event firmly in local heritage while boldly reshaping it for the present. Lou Queernaval was born from a striking absence: in a country with centuries of carnival history and an enthusiastic LGBTQIA+ culture, there had never been a carnival dedicated to queer visibility, until now.
Carnival has always been about freedom—about flipping the script, bending the rules, and letting identities shine without restraint. Lou Queernaval taps directly into that spirit. With flamboyant costumes, drag performances, music, and dance, it celebrates lives and identities that have too often been pushed to the margins. It’s exuberant and welcoming on the surface, but underneath, it carries a powerful message: joy itself can be political.
Accessibility and inclusivity are central to the event’s DNA. Whether you’re a longtime activist, a curious visitor, or a family looking to share in the celebration, Lou Queernaval offers a safe, respectful, and an electric atmosphere where everyone belongs.
While the event is free, reservations are required, and capacity is limited. Tickets are already available, and demand is expected to be high—last year’s 10th-anniversary celebration drew an estimated 11,000 people to Place Masséna.
At a time when LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility remain under pressure in many parts of the world, Lou Queernaval stands tall as an act of collective resilience. By anchoring queer celebration within Nice’s historic carnival tradition—and doing so with official city support—it sends a clear and confident message: LGBTQIA+ people are not a footnote to public life, but a vibrant part of its cultural core.
On February 27, 2026, Nice won’t just host a carnival. It will host a declaration—made in music, colour, laughter, and pride. If you’re anywhere near the French Riviera this winter, Lou Queernaval is unmissable.
