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Month: August 2023

Go behind the scenes of the Casino de Monte-Carlo for European Heritage Day

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/08/2023
european heritage day monaco

Come September, the Casino de Monte-Carlo will be offering a limited number of visitors a chance to go behind the scenes of this iconic establishment to mark the annual European Heritage Day. But that’s not all! 

European Heritage Day is celebrated with tens of thousands of events all over the continent each year, making it the “most enthusiastically celebrated cultural event in Europe”. Under this year’s shared theme of “Living Heritage”, organisers have asked countries to look at the skills and practices passed down over the generations that make each place special.  

Monaco, for its part, has been participating in these events for over two decades, and this year, the Casino de Monte-Carlo, a place so entwinned with the history and rise of the Principality, will be the focal point of local celebrations. 

MONACO’S TAKE 

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) is putting together an event that will give people the opportunity to see first-hand the expertise of its gaming staff. 

Two chances to visit have been scheduled on 24th September, one at 9am and the second at 10.30am, where guests will be immersed in the ultimate casino experience at the most famous establishment of its kind on the planet: the Casino de Monte-Carlo.  

From the beautiful craftsmanship of the tables, which are made by artisans in SBM’s workshops, to the croupiers who provide the most professional services and matchless expertise, visitors can make like James Bond and soak up the history, luxury and atmosphere that have made this casino so world-famous.  

Spaces are limited to 30 people per visit, so reservations are recommended. Click here to reserve a spot. 

THE TRAVELLING COLLECTION 

The story continues in the afternoon with artist Celia Pym’s outreach programme, The Travelling Collection. This will feature a “tactile and discursive event” on the stage of the legendary Opéra Garnier.  

Célia Bernasconi, the lead curator of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, professional textile restorer Noémie Margotteau and Sinem Bostanci, an outreach officer, will talk about costume and accessory conservation and reparation at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, arts which have formed part of the museum’s collections since 2002.  

A workshop will be held from 2.30pm to 4pm, and the exhibit will be open until 6pm. For bookings or more information, please click here. 

 

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Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

How to keep your home cool without harming the environment

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/08/2023
keep home cool

Everyone in this part of the world is feeling the heat at the moment. But amid warnings that powering up the air con is only adding to the problem, what else can be done to keep homes and workplaces cool?  

As heat waves become the norm rather than the exception in Monaco and the south of France, more people than ever are turning to air conditioning as a way to get some relief at home and at work.

However, whilst it feels good and is a fast way to beat the heat, air conditioning does have environmental and financial consequences, increasing demands on energy and adding to greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention hitting people’s pocketbooks with higher energy bills. 

According to Le Monde, about 135 million air conditioning units are sold globally every year, bringing the total of households using them to 37%, up from 20% in 2000. By 2050, the expected number of air conditioners installed will reach 4.5 billion.  

ALTERNATIVES TO AIR CONDITIONING 

France’s Ecological Transition Agency (ADEME) recently issued a guide on alternative ways to combat high interior temperatures that don’t add to global warming, so here are a few of our own tips on keeping homes cool the eco-friendly way. 

Though it may seem counter-intuitive, closing windows before the outside temperature exceeds that of indoors can help, as does closing shutters and blinds before the sun hits the windows. At night, open windows to let air circulate.  

Fans have long been used to cool down a space. Ceiling fans keep air moving while the effectiveness of a pedestal or desk fan can be boosted by placing ice in front of them during use. A plastic bottle of frozen water does the trick nicely and costs next to nothing.  

Additionally, avoid using ovens or other appliances that emit heat during the heat of the day. Eating fresh foods in the place of cooked meals is also a refreshing way to eat when the mercury is on the rise.  

Another old Mediterranean trick is to generously mop floors with cold water and allow it to evaporate, cooling the air as it goes. Some experiments have proven that this act can lower indoor temperatures by several degrees.

Similarly, cold showers and dousing yourself with cool water will provide a bit of relief, and allow wet hair dry naturally rather than reaching for a hairdryer. Even rubbing an ice cube over pulse points can help cool the body – if only temporarily.  

For vulnerable people, including the elderly, who can’t regulate their core temperatures as easily as others, extra care must be taken to ensure they do not overheat.  

For more information and advice, visit the French government’s website here. 

 

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Photo source: Taylor Deas Melesh, Unsplash

Football: Spain beat England to win first Women’s World Cup

by: Luke Entwistle
21/08/2023
Spain's Alexia Putellas at the Women's World Cup 2023

Spain beat England in a cagey, tactical Women’s World Cup final on Sunday (1-0). However, celebrations have been marred by the actions of Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales, who has been criticised for kissing Jenni Hermoso. 

European Champions England would have arrived in the final with great confidence after beating home favourites Australia in the final. However, Sarina Wiegman’s side were dominated by a well-organised Spanish side, who stifled England’s attacking threat.

In a game of very few chances, Spain were clinical. Captain Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game, capitalising on Lucy Bronze’s loss of possession, breaking and slotting past Mary Earps.

The England goalkeeper, who won the Golden Glove Award post-match, kept England in the game by saving a penalty in the second-half, but the Lionesses couldn’t profit from her impressive individual performance as England struggled to create clear-cut openings.

Celebrations marred by post-match controversy

Both sides were competing in their first ever Women’s World Cup final, and it was Spain who held their nerve to take the slender but deserved victory in Sydney.

However, the celebrations were marred by the action of Spanish FA president Rubiales, who kissed Spanish player Hermoso on the lips during the presentation ceremony. “I didn’t like it,” reacted the Spanish international on Instagram.

Rubiales has since apologised. “I was completely wrong. I have to admit it. I have to apologise, learn from this, and understand that when you are president, you have to be more careful,” he said on Monday.

Spain’s equalities minister Irene Montero has criticised Rubiales. “We should not assume kissing without consent is something ‘that happens’,” she said. His actions have dampened what is an euphoric moment for the Spain Women’s team as they overcame infighting and controversy to win their first World Cup title.

 

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Photo credit: Sven Beyrich

Air pollution alerts activated across Monaco and the Riviera

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/08/2023
air pollution

Higher-than-usual levels of tropospheric or ground-level ozone have been recorded in a large swathe of southern France, as well as Monaco, leading authorities to activate a Level 1 warning for the region.  

AtmoSud, the air quality monitoring service for the southerly parts of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, has placed four of the departments it covers under a Level 1 pollution warning.

The alert warning service is used by prefectures when the concentrations of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide or PM10 particles risk exceeding the criteria defined by national air quality standards. In this particular car, ground-level ozone gas is the culprit, with levels surpassing the threshold of 180µg/m3.

Monaco’s government, which independently operates five air quality monitoring points across the Principality, has noted similar conditions and has also announced the same alert level.  

Air quality is expected to remain “poor” until at least Tuesday 22nd August, when conditions are expected to improve. 

The region – the Principality of Monaco and the French Riviera and Provence – is prone to higher air pollution levels, given the climate and the large number of people who live and visit the area.  

“The multiple sources of emissions combined with strong sunshine expose the region to photochemical pollution that is amongst the highest in Europe,” reads an explanation on the AtmoSud website. “These sources are also strong emitters of fine particles, causing numerous exceedances of regulatory standards.”  

WHAT TO DO 

When the air quality is bad, it is recommended that people, especially the more vulnerable members of society, take heed and follow a few common-sense guidelines to protect themselves.  

AtmoSud advises against outdoor exercise, especially in the heat of the day, as air pollutants enter the body most readily through the respiratory tract, causing inflammation, irritation and reduced breathing capacity.  

Poor air quality can be particularly dangerous for those with conditions such as lung cancer or asthma. It also can bring on heart attacks, so extra caution on these alert days is advised.  

To help combat the pollutants in the air, AtmoSud recommends switching to public transport or carpooling to cut down on the number of cars on the roads, as well as respecting rules on fires and moderating the temperatures of indoor spaces without excessive use of air conditioning.  

According to an EQIS study on the public health impact of air pollution conducted by Santé Publique France, poor conditions can lower life expectancy by more than two years in some French cities. Medium and small towns, in addition to rural areas, fare a bit better with, on average, pollution shortening life expectancy by nine to 10 months.  

 

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Photo source: Unsplash

All about the fairy tale Grand Ball of Monte-Carlo in Venice

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/08/2023
grand ball of monte-carlo

The Grand Ball of Monte-Carlo, taking place this month in Venice on the opening night of the International Film Festival, promises to be an event “bursting with glamour”. 

An event fit for royalty, the Baglioni Hotel Luna on the legendary Piazza San Marcos in Venice will be the scene for the Grand Ball of Monte-Carlo on 31st August. It is set to be a one-of-a-kind gala where guests become princes and princesses for a night and immerse themselves in a world of unparalleled luxury and fun.  

SOPHISTICATION AND ELEGANCE 

The ball, which will be taking place on opening night of the Venice International Film Festival, is a themed event, with the ladies asked to dress in sumptuous ball gowns and the men in white tie or ceremonial military uniforms.  

The organisers, Noble Monte-Carlo, sum up the spirit of the event, saying, “Sophistication, elegance, and ineffable aesthetic will fill the upcoming Grand Ball of Monte-Carlo. An exclusive gala for lovers of luxury and grand parties, for whom this is a truly unmissable occasion.” 

RED CARPET  

The red carpet really will be rolled out for guests, who can strut or saunter its length all the way to a welcome cocktail within the prestigious hotel.  

Entertainment will naturally be part of the evening, with singers, dancers, musicians and perhaps even the odd juggler set to perform with the sole intent of pleasing the crowds. The attendees will also partake in dancing after a magnificent five-course meal, and the night is likely to continue well into the wee hours of the next morning.  

The organisers have held several other events of this calibre, including last year’s Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses in Monaco and another in Dubai.  

To book tickets as well as for more information, visit the website here. 

 

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Photo source: Noble Monte-Carlo 

Bal du Marché to return to the Condamine Market

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/08/2023

The popular Bal du Marché is back this September, bringing a fun new dynamic to the busy Condamine Market.

On Saturday 2nd September, the outdoor Condamine Market will take on a festive atmosphere for the Bal du Marché, organised by the Mairie de Monaco.

The square, normally filled with fruit and vegetable vendors, will be taken over by picnic tables for guests to feast on the offerings available at the food stalls, located inside the food hall.

Entertainment will include live music from the Benty Brothers and a claw machine for the young ones.

The Bal du Marché kicks off at 7.30pm. Given the popularity of the event, reservation is needed. More information can be found at mairie.mc.

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

 

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