Carnival Of Nice, Flowers` Battle. A Mask And A Very Special Machine Editorial Photo

NICE - FRANCE: Carnival of Nice, Flowers` battle. A mask and a very special machine. The main winter event on the Riviera and one of the largest carnivals in the world. It was on the seafront, along Promenade des Anglais, that the first Flower Parade Bataille de Fleurs was held in 1876. 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 as some 90% of flowers used are produced locally. The development and conception of the floats is a long and meticulous task which nonetheless has to be carried out within a very short lapse of time. On each float, costumed models throw 80 to 100.000 flowers to an enthusiastic crowd : gladioli, tokyos, mimosas, gerberas, daisies, roses, carnations... These `battles` are staged on the same theme as the Carnival floats. The costumes are designed in a workshop entirely dedicated to their creation.They are unique creations as for theatre performances. This event is one of its kind in the world and features among the most famous of the French Riviera. Nice exportes its know-how in the fields of elegance, beauty and the charm of these flower parades.