La Fête du Mimosa (The Mimosa Festival), will be held this year (2025) from 12-16 February in the seaside town of Mandelieu-la-Napoule just outside Cannes. It pays tribute to the fragrant and dazzling mimosa flowers that blanket the region’s hillsides each winter.
With its radiant blooms, lively parades, and cultural festivities, the Mimosa Festival has become a beloved tradition, drawing people from far and wide to revel in the beauty and warmth of the French Riviera.
The Mimosa Festival celebrates the peak of the mimosa season when the flowers are in full bloom, creating a stunning visual spectacle. This year the Mimosa Festival’s theme will be The Great Tour of the Regions, highlighting the diversity of the Côte d’Azur’s landscapes.
Parades
At the heart of the Mimosa Festival are the grand parades that wind their way through the town’s streets. Elaborately decorated floats adorned with mimosa flowers and other colourful decorations glide through the avenues, accompanied by lively music and dance performances. Local communities, organizations, and schools participate, contributing to the festive atmosphere with their creativity and enthusiasm.
Children’s Carnival and Flower Battles
A highlight of the Mimosa Festival is the children’s carnival at 3pm on 12 February. Bouncy castles, make-up activities and obstacle courses are sure to keep the kids entertained. And get ready for the Flower Battles (16 February at 2.30pm), a unique tradition of the festival, which involve participants in tossing mimosa flowers at each other in a friendly and joyous manner.
Music and Food
Beyond the lively parades, visitors can explore craft markets, enjoy live music (opening concert at 7pm on 12 February) and taste local dishes. The festival provides an opportunity to savour regional cuisine, including dishes featuring the delicate flavour of mimosa. And to engage with the rich cultural heritage of the French Riviera. On Friday evening (Valentine’s Day, 14 February) there’ll also be a concert and fireworks from 8pm.
In recent years, the Mimosa Festival has also embraced environmental initiatives, emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural beauty that the mimosa represents. Efforts are made to promote sustainable practices and to raise awareness about the ecological significance of the mimosa ecosystem
From the dazzling parades to the cultural events, the Mimosa Festival brings together tradition, culture, and nature. If you happen to be here, don’t miss it!.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mandelieu-tourisme.com/agenda/fete-du-mimosa/
