Didn’t you wish you could see the world through the eyes of a Jack Russell? Here, at the Totor Statue, you almost can. This isn’t just any statue. The Totor Statue is a local mascot. He embodies the spirit of Nice.
Totor owes his existence to Stèphane Bolongaro. Bolongaro created Totor. Totor was inspired by his mother’s Jack Russell. First, Bolongaro made a small statue for Christmas. It was sixty centimeters tall. Later, he created a three-meter version.
The big Totor Statue was placed on the Promenade du Paillon. The public loved it. People of all ages responded positively. Totor became a star. Now, Totor statues can be found all over Nice. One Totor is at the Gare Thiers. This was done in partnership with the SNCF. Another Totor Statue is on the roundabout at Place du Commandant Gèróme. This is in the Cimiez quarter.
When the OGC Nice football team qualified for the Coupe de France final, this Totor wore a red and black jersey. Totor is also at the Lenval Hospital. This Totor is dressed as a superhero. He gives strength to the children. On the beach in front of Lenval, Totor appears as a lifeguard and a surfer. He helps people get out of the water at the Centenaire beach.
Totor is a dog who thinks he is a man. He adapts to everything. Stèphane Bolongaro says Totor can do everything, but clumsily. There was even a Totor shop. It was located at Nicetoile. The shop sold Totor sculptures of different sizes. The Totor mobile was a best seller. Prices started at 280 euros. Keychains were also available for fifteen euros.
One of Bolongaro’s favorite memories involves placing a Totor sculpture on the Coulée verte. It was accessible to everyone. Bolongaro is planning a film featuring Totor. It will be like the movie “Ted.”
So, take a moment to appreciate Totor. This Totor Statue represents the playful and humorous spirit of Nice. He is a reminder to embrace our inner child. Remember that life is always best viewed with a bit of lightheartedness.