Monaco’s Winter Carnival returns to the city’s markets

It’s carnival month and Monaco is getting into the spirit with the return of the Winter Carnival celebrations to be held at the Principality’s markets.

The Monaco Mairie is organising a series of events on Wednesday 21st February (changed from the original date of 14th February) for children and adults at the Monte-Carlo and Condamine markets, including stilt walkers, balloon animals, make-up workshops, giant bubbles and more.

To make the party as fun as possible, the public is encouraged to come dressed up.

“As an elected official, I consider that the organisation of these Winter Carnivals in our two markets is essential for our country because they strengthen our social fabric, stimulate the local economy and celebrate our unique cultural heritage,” says Axelle Amalberti Verdino, local councillor in charge of Entertainment and Leisure. “It is also important to point out that it has been a long time since Monaco organised a winter carnival in the city, which is a shame for a city of our size.”

Festivities kick off on 21st February from 11.15am and run to 2pm. Entertainment is free and open to all.

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School holidays: Adventure meets education at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco

From immersive polar exhibitions to the story of Prince Rainier III’s love of the Mediterranean and an escape game aboard the Princesse Alice II, visitors to the Musée Océanographique over the school holidays will be invited to the explore the depths of the world’s oceans and marvel at the mysteries they hold. 

Over the coming weeks, the museum will be transformed into a hub of education and entertainment for children and adults alike as the famous destination hosts a special school holidays programme of events, experiences and activities.

One of the biggest draws, even for return visitors, will no doubt be the ticketing promotion that offers one free child’s pass for every adult ticket purchased. These standard entry tickets provide access to numerous exhibits, such as the ‘Polar Misson’, the interactive ‘Immersion’ room and Greg Lecoeur’s ‘Poles, Fragile Worlds’ photography exhibition on the Arctic and Antarctic, the latter of which will close on 12th March 2024.

A relatively new addition to the spread of displays is ‘The Prince and the Mediterranean’, a new permanent exhibit that delves into Prince Rainier III’s profound bond with the Mediterranean Sea and highlights its significance in Monaco’s culture and heritage.

See more: Photos: ‘The Prince and the Mediterranean’ exhibition unveiled at the Musée Océanographique

The ever-popular ‘Fish Feeding Frenzy’ experience and the hands-on sessions with marine shoreline animals held throughout the holidays will allow families to get up-close with the species who have found a home in the museum and also to learn more about the local marine life.

Another much-loved attraction is the escape game set aboard the Princesse Alice II, which invites participants to solve puzzles and decode messages in a maritime-themed challenge, while the Immersive 360° experience offers a virtual dive into the ocean’s depths, allowing visitors to encounter majestic marine species without having to get wet.

Meanwhile, the holidays will also see some new aquarium residents welcomed to the Principality: young nautiluses and juvenile giant clams from New Caledonia. Keep an eye on the museum’s Facebook page to find out when that will happen!

Another experience to tick off is the €3 ‘Polar Mission’ booklet for children, which teaches them about the polar regions and awards young conservationists a diploma for expanding their personal awareness. This, alongside a digital tool advocating for Antarctic Marine Protected Areas, highlights the museum’s dedication to marine conservation.

For more information about the museum and its school holidays programme, click here.

 

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Photo source: Musée Océanographique de Monaco, Facebook