MASK CARNIVALE 2025
Come celebrate the beginning of summer with our most iconic event – this year’s theme for the parade: Transformation. We can’t wait to see you there, Whakatū!
Celebrating mask culture and creating your own mask are a huge part of cultural celebrations all around the world and have been a wonderful part of the Nelson Arts Festival since its very beginnings. A forever Festival favourite, really.
Our much-loved community event – Mask Carnivale, presented by our Moa Partners Nelson Mail – will transform our inner-city streets into a colourful explosion of joy, community and creativity on Friday 31 October!
This year’s theme for the parade is:
TRANSFORMATION
Chosen by the tamariki from Nelson Central School, aka the winners of the 2024 Kim Merry Supreme Award, this theme has been inspired by their learning about the life cycle of butterflies and metamorphosis.
Parade registrations are now open – sign up HERE.
Bring the whānau, your neighbours and the mates from work, and head into town from 5pm for a wonderful time, a boogie and the most joyful celebration of community 🥳
Mask Carnivale is an outdoor event, so please make sure to bring suitable footwear and clothing for the weather.
Huge thanks to our friends at Nelson Mail and Stuff for supporting this amazing community celebration again this year.
Presented by:
WHAKATŪ NELSON CBD
Fri 31 Oct | 5 – 9pm
Mask Parade starts at 5.15pm | Carnivale from 5.45pm
Theme: Transformation
FREE
All Ages
Wet weather monitoring
The Festival is monitoring weather closely and expecting a Mask Carnivale full of sun and fun, in true Whakatū Nelson style.
In the unlikely event of a weather forecast change, public will be notified of any changes to, or cancellation of, this event via our website and social media channels. Retailers and participants will also be notified directly.