Nice is preparing once again to burst into color, music, and unapologetic self-expression as Lou Queernaval,
France’s first and only LGBTQIA+ carnival, returns on February 27,
2026. Free and open to all, this joyful event has quickly become a
standout moment on the Côte d’Azur’s cultural calendar—one that blends
carnival tradition with a powerful message of inclusion and visibility.
Organized by the COC LGBTQI association, with the active support and commitment of the City of Nice, Lou Queernaval
is far more than a parade. It is a celebration of diversity,
creativity, and collective joy, welcoming LGBTQIA+ communities, allies,
families, and visitors from around the world to take part in a uniquely
Niçois expression of pride.
The name Lou Queernaval itself is a playful nod to the Niçois dialect—“Lou” meaning “the”—combined with Queer and Carnaval,
firmly rooting the event in local tradition while reimagining it
through a contemporary, inclusive lens. From its beginnings, Lou
Queernaval was created to address a simple but important absence:
despite France’s long carnival history and vibrant LGBTQIA+ culture,
there had never been a carnival dedicated specifically to queer
visibility.
Carnival, by nature, has always been about inversion, freedom, and
challenging norms—masks come off, rules bend, and identities can be
joyfully exaggerated or reinvented. Lou Queernaval builds on this
centuries-old tradition, using the language of carnival to celebrate
identities that have too often been marginalized or made invisible. It
is festive, yes—but it is also quietly political, reclaiming public
space with joy rather than confrontation.
Expect flamboyant
costumes, music, dance, drag, and an atmosphere that is both celebratory
and welcoming. Lou Queernaval is designed to be accessible and
inclusive, whether you’re deeply involved in LGBTQIA+ activism or simply
curious and supportive. The emphasis is on safety, respect, and shared
celebration—values that have helped the event grow in popularity each
year.
While the event is free, reservations are required,
and space is limited. Tickets are already available, and demand is
expected to be high as attendance last year was reported at about 11,000
people at the Place Masséna for the 10th-anniversary celebration.
Reserve your spot here:
https://my.weezevent.com/lou-queernaval-3
https://my.weezevent.com/lou-queernaval-3
In
a time when LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility are still contested in many
places, Lou Queernaval stands as a reminder that celebration itself can
be a form of resilience. By anchoring the event within Nice’s broader
carnival culture—and by receiving official support from the city—it
sends a clear message: LGBTQIA+ people are not on the margins of public
life, but firmly part of its cultural heart.
On February 27, 2026,
Nice won’t just host a carnival. It will host a statement—one made with
music, glitter, laughter, and pride.
If you’re planning to be on the French Riviera this winter, Lou Queernaval is not to be missed.
No comments:
Post a Comment