Mask Carnivale

Whakatū Nelson’s beloved masked parade returns in 2025, transformed, and as vibrant as ever.

Whakatū Nelson’s 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, TRANSFORMATION, invites everyone to show up and shine. Celebrate our community’s rich diversity through bold masks, joyful movement and shared creativity.

The theme was chosen by the tamariki from Nelson Central School, the winners of the 2024 Kim Merry Supreme Award, this theme was inspired by learning about the life cycle of butterflies and metamorphosis.

Parade registrations are now open!

You may also like the following events from Nelson Arts Festival:

• This month, 21st October, 07:30 am, Screenwriting with Michael Bennett in Nelson
• This month, 22nd October, 08:00 am, Packing a Punch in Nelson
• This month, 23rd October, 07:30 am, Tune Up in Nelson