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Day: 28 December 2024

Year of the Wooden Snake to be honoured at Monaco’s Chinese New Year celebrations

by: Niki Borisova
28/12/2024

Not only will Monaco’s upcoming Chinese New Year gala at the Fairmont celebrate the start of the Year of the Wooden Snake—a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and prosperity in Chinese astrology—but it will also mark 30 years of diplomatic ties between the Principality and China.

For the people of China, the Year of the Wooden Snake officially begins on 29th January, but the Monaco-China Association and Monaco Dragon Prestige will kick off celebrations early by co-hosting a Chinese New Year gala at the Fairmont Monte Carlo on 24th January, in collaboration with the Monaco Embassy in China.

The 2025 edition of this annual event holds added significance as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Monaco and the People’s Republic of China. The gala will bring together prominent figures from Monegasque and Chinese diplomatic, economic and cultural circles.

The programme will feature traditional Chinese performances, including a dragon dance, live music and calligraphy demonstrations. Guests will also enjoy a specially curated dinner reflecting the event’s cultural focus.

The gala begins at 7pm, with tickets priced at €280 for standard seating and €380 for VIP access. The dress code is formal evening attire or traditional Chinese clothing.

For more details or reservations, contact info@monacodragonprestige.com or click here.

 

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Photo credit: Red Morley Hewitt, Unsplash 

UNESCO adds 63 new cultural traditions to heritage list

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/12/2024

UNESCO has expanded its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, adding 63 new traditions and practices during its 19th session in Asunción, Paraguay. This brings the total number of recognised cultural elements to 788, each showcasing the richness and diversity of global traditions.

Some highlights from this year’s additions include France’s craftsmanship of Parisian roofers and ornament makers, celebrated for their artistry and skill, and the fairground culture shared by France and Belgium. UNESCO recognises the cultural importance of this funfair community that, every year, from February through November, travels around following a set itinerary, returning to the same places. Hosted by local authorities, they install their attractions – food stalls, games and rides – in a public space, where they stay anywhere from one day to several weeks. The attractions – an integral part of the funfair heritage – are preserved and used by the same family over several generations.

It is one of the many traditions recognised by UNESCO that highlight the importance of community, cultural diversity, and preserving historical practices for the future.

Also making the list are collaborative entries like ‘Henna: rituals, aesthetics, and social practices’, submitted by the United Arab Emirates and 15 other countries. Recognition was also given to traditions in conflict-affected areas, such as Ukraine’s ‘pysanka’ egg-decorating art and Palestine’s centuries-old tradition of making Nablus soap, emphasising resilience and cultural preservation under challenging conditions.

Representing Monaco at the session was Séverine Dusaintpere, Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. Monaco, a signatory of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, plays an active role in protecting living traditions and contributes to UNESCO’s heritage fund. The Principality’s involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to preserving culture worldwide.

The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage was held from 2nd to 7th December.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco