MASK CARNIVALE 2023

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 inception.

We are thrilled to announce the return of our much-loved community event for 2023: Mask Carnivale will transform our inner-city streets into a colourful explosion of joy, community and creativity on Friday 27 October!

Come on out and discover new local talent, catch one of our brightest alt-pop stars, play games, share delicious kai, enjoy pop-up performances and see the city come alive with world-class dancers in Tōrua. 

Keen to get right amongst it?

In 2023, as we journey together around the sun, we find ourselves 8 billion strong and 8 billion divided. And so we look to be part of the momentum - rewilding, regenerating, rebalancing, reinvigorating.

Let's embrace and celebrate this momentum, with our theme for this year's Mask Carnivale:

REWILD. REGENERATE.

From reusing waste materials, using natural processes, Where the Wild Things Are or generat(ions) – interpret the theme however speaks to you and help us bring vigour, creativity and wonder to our newly (re)born Mask Carnivale.

We can't wait to see what creative masks and costumes you will come up with!

If you're keen to be part of the Parade, please apply by clicking here by Saturday 30 September 2023.

Let’s paint the streets of Whakatū in bright colours, showcase our community’s diversity and creative superpowers - and come together to celebrate!

Are you keen to be part of the Carnivale and perform during the street party?

Please let us know what you'd love to contribute to the event - send us your Expression of Interest by clicking here by Friday 15 September 2023.