The Nice Gay Carnival, also known as Lou Queernaval, is a one-of-a-kind event in France. It unfolds during the second week of the renowned Nice Carnival, one of Europe’s most spectacular festivals. Stay with us to discover more about this unique celebration.
©guillaume-eymard-photographe.com
A short introduction to Lou Queernaval (Nice Gay Carnival)
Lou Queernaval, born in Nice, France, is the country’s first gay carnival. This popular event is a celebration for everyone, embodying a commitment to fostering unity, inclusivity, and communal harmony.
The carnival bursts with diversity, featuring talented Niçoise batucadas, dazzling drag queens, and many artists, all championing a universal message of sharing and goodwill. Over 150 volunteer carnival workers, adorned in spectacular costumes, set the stage for an extraordinary evening dedicated to the King of Pop Culture!
Since its launch in 2015, Lou Queernaval has attracted spectators from all regions of France and the world, kicking off a weekend of exceptional festivities. This unique event in France is free of charge. The Nice LGBTQIA+ community proposes it in close collaboration with the City of Nice and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis.
Lou Queernaval is committed to keeping the tremendous popular tradition of the Nice Carnival alive with humility and a touch of madness. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion.
The main event of the Nice gay carnival
Lou Queernaval is part of the regular festivities featuring live bands, dancers, and traditional carnival floats, including the King and Queen of Carnival. Furthermore, local and national LGBTI organizations join in the fun. So, it represents a beautiful opportunity to get to know the city and its gay community. Most importantly, the event is free to attend.
Usually, events start at 9 pm on the main stage with the elaborate opening show, followed by the parade with drag queens, shirtless hot guys, and, most importantly, colorful masquerades.
Note: “Lou” translates into “the” in Nissart, Nice’s regional dialect for those curious.
After Parties
Nice Carnival is worth visiting, whether for the Queernaval or other parades. Each night, the gay bars are packed with locals mingling with international visitors.
Most visitors attend Le Glam, a local gay club hosting the official Queernaval parties. Visitors begin their night visiting the many bars dotted along with Rue Bonaparte, the city’s “Gay Street.”
Note: you can also check out some of the finest gay bars and clubs in Nice, such as Le Code, Eagle Bar, and Malabar Station.
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Where to stay?
The Nice offers several gay-friendly accommodations. However, if you’d like to visit an exclusive gay-owned room, we suggest visiting Mister BnB. In the end, we are showing you some of the best gay-friendly hotels, which have been recommended by many reputed gay travelers (like Two Bad Tourists or Nomadic Boys).
Lou Queernaval -Nice gay carnival, the conclusion
As one of the world’s grandest carnivals, this one offers something for everybody. Even if you still haven’t come out, do come here. Namely, it is easier for some to come out in front of strangers. And if you are the one, Nice is waiting for you with open arms.
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Featured photo: guillaume-eymard-photographe.com