Menton and Nice Showcase Lush Citrus and Pop Culture in Vibrant Parades
In a stark contrast to the solemn weeks leading up to Easter in most of Europe, the French Riviera is alive with vibrant Carnival celebrations. On Sunday, the Mediterranean town of Menton dazzled spectators with its Lemon Festival parade, featuring sculptures of athletes crafted from lemons and oranges that adorned the streets and grand floats.
Meanwhile, Nice, the capital of the Riviera, kicked off its annual Carnival season in style on Saturday night, with a parade themed around pop culture icons. The procession included larger-than-life floats, with “Star Wars” hero Luke Skywalker as the king and Marilyn Monroe, dressed as Superwoman, as his queen.
These festivities, deeply rooted in a medieval Mardi Gras tradition, have evolved over the years to celebrate achievements in film, music, art, and sports, steering clear of divisive politics and somber events.
Honoring the Olympic Spirit
The Lemon Festival in Menton paid homage to the upcoming Olympics in Paris, with the theme of “From Olympia to Menton” resonating throughout the event. Spectators marveled at floats carrying colossal figures of various athletes, including tennis players, rugby stars, and even a surfer named John Lemon.
Over 140 tons of citrus fruits, mainly sourced from Spain, were meticulously arranged on floats and displays, showcasing ancient and modern Olympic sports. Despite its dwindling lemon production, Menton continues to captivate visitors with its zesty legacy, once favored by none other than French King Louis XIV.
A Glittering Pop Culture Extravaganza
In Nice, the parade unfolded with mechanical puppets of Luke Skywalker and Marilyn Monroe, bedecked with bright lights and confetti, reigning over the festivities. The king and queen, along with other pop culture icons like Barbie and Indiana Jones, will lead the parades until the grand finale at the end of the month.
Amidst the revelry, even a familiar face made an appearance at the Nice parade, as a visitor masquerading as former U.S. President Donald Trump was unmasked, much to the amusement of the crowd.