Queens of the South: When Nice Turns Carnival into Queer Celebration

On 27 February 2026, Place Masséna in Nice will shimmer a little brighter. Lou Queernaval, France’s first and only LGBTQIA+ carnival, returns for its 11th edition, once again transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant, open air celebration.

Created in 2015 by local LGBTQIA+ associations, Lou Queernaval has grown into a key moment in the official Carnaval de Nice programme. What began as a grassroots initiative is now a major cultural event, drawing more than 12,000 people at its last edition and expecting even more this year. It remains entirely free and open to everyone, a rare and powerful statement in itself.

This year’s theme, “Vive la Reine!”, celebrates queens in every sense: drag performers, cultural icons, and everyday figures of courage. Nearly 350 artists and volunteers, across 23 troupes, will take part in a two hour parade filled with elaborate costumes, bold floats and unapologetic extravagance. As the evening unfolds, the parade gives way to what organisers describe as the largest dancefloor in France, at least for one night.

At a time when LGBTQIA+ rights across Europe feel both firmly rooted and increasingly tested, Lou Queernaval offers something grounding. It places queer visibility at the centre of a long standing cultural tradition. Nice’s carnival is one of the largest in the world, and here queerness is not on the margins but fully part of the official story. Glitter and feathers share the same stage as centuries old festivities. That coexistence matters.

The 2026 edition also carries an intergenerational note, with French music icon Michèle Torr serving as patron. Her presence adds a layer of shared history and signals that support for LGBTQIA+ communities can cross generations and audiences.

For Brussels readers, Lou Queernaval will sound familiar. Much like our own Pride and the nights that bring our community together, it shows what can happen when different identities and generations share the same space. These moments are not just about celebration. They are about being visible, safely and collectively.

From the Côte d’Azur to the capital of Europe, the message is simple. Queer life belongs in the public square. When we gather to march, to watch, to dance, we remind each other that our communities are diverse, resilient and very much here. Vive la Reine.

www.nicecarnaval.com