The feast of the gourds, inherited from the end of the 19th century, comes from the market that took place in the church square in front of the Cimiez monastery.
It celebrates gourds, that is, vegetables from the cucurbit family in various sizes and shapes. This "Gourd Feast," which heralds the arrival of warmer weather and spring, brings laughter, joy, and tradition.
These vegetables are presented hollowed out, dried, and transformed into all sorts of containers: gourds, ladles, or even lamps.
Musicians also recognize their strong musical potential.
Their unique shapes inspire artisans. Often painted, they are also engraved with geometric patterns or interlacing designs, giving them an aesthetic and decorative dimension.
Entertainment for all ages, folk dances and music, traditional dances, the World Petadou Championship, and Niçoise specialties will all be featured in the shade of the olive trees in the Cimiez Arena gardens.
Program
Jean-Paul II Square (in front of the Cimiez Monastery)
11:45 a.m.: Wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial
Cimiez Arena Gardens – Olive Grove, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
On site: food, workshops, face painting, traditional games, and association booths.
1:00 p.m.: Les désaccordés au Kazou – Choir
2:15 p.m.: La Ciamada Nissarda – Folk dance
3:00 p.m.: World Petadou Championship hosted by Richard Cairaschi
3:45 p.m.: Nice la Belle – Folk dance
4:30 p.m.: Lou Cairèu Niçart – Folk dance
5:00 p.m.: Mai qu’Acò – Balèti
These vegetables are presented hollowed out, dried, and transformed into all sorts of containers: gourds, ladles, or even lamps.
Musicians also recognize their strong musical potential.
Their unique shapes inspire artisans. Often painted, they are also engraved with geometric patterns or interlacing designs, giving them an aesthetic and decorative dimension.
Entertainment for all ages, folk dances and music, traditional dances, the World Petadou Championship, and Niçoise specialties will all be featured in the shade of the olive trees in the Cimiez Arena gardens.
Program
Jean-Paul II Square (in front of the Cimiez Monastery)
11:45 a.m.: Wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial
Cimiez Arena Gardens – Olive Grove, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
On site: food, workshops, face painting, traditional games, and association booths.
1:00 p.m.: Les désaccordés au Kazou – Choir
2:15 p.m.: La Ciamada Nissarda – Folk dance
3:00 p.m.: World Petadou Championship hosted by Richard Cairaschi
3:45 p.m.: Nice la Belle – Folk dance
4:30 p.m.: Lou Cairèu Niçart – Folk dance
5:00 p.m.: Mai qu’Acò – Balèti
Opening times
On 29 March 2026
- 10:00 at 18:00
