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Day: 2 January 2025

February laughs with Alex Vizorek at the Smakelijk! Comedy Club

by: Niki Borisova
02/01/2025
Smakelijk! Comedy Club

Belgian comedy genius Alex Vizorek will take centre stage in Monaco this February as the Smakelijk! Comedy Club returns to Le Méridien Beach Plaza.

The Smakelijk! Comedy Club at Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco is set to return in mid-February for two special nights featuring Alex Vizorek as the headline act. Vizorek, a comedian renowned in Belgium for his sharp wit and on-point cultural commentary, will share the stage with two additional comedians on 14th and 15th February. Their names will be confirmed in early 2025.

Alex Vizorek has been a prominent figure in the Francophone comedy scene for over 15 years. His critically acclaimed one-man shows, including Alex Vizorek est une œuvre d’art and Ad Vitam, have earned him widespread recognition, with the latter earning him a nomination for a Molière Award in 2022.

In 2024, he performed alongside Aure Atika and Hippolyte Girardot in the production A.D.A.: L’argent des autres at the Anthéa Theatre in Antibes. In addition to his stage work, Vizorek is a seasoned radio host, recently joining RTL after 12 years with France Inter, and is also the author of several children’s books.

The upcoming event marks the fifth chapter of the comedy series, which has already brought a unique blend of humour to the Principality. More than 300 people have attended previous editions, which showcased six Belgian comedians in the intimate setting of the hotel’s Belgian brasserie, Smakelijk!

See more: New restaurant: Croquettes, vol-au-vents, French fries… get into the Belgian spirit at Smakelijk!

There will be two performances each evening, starting at 7pm and 9pm. Each session will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Tickets are priced at €35 for general admission, with a reduced rate of €30 available for Monegasque residents. Reservations can be made here.

Read related:

Gad Elmaleh to lead the laughs at Stand Up Monaco

 

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Photo source: Le Méridien Beach Plaza, Facebook

Monaco takes part in shaping the future of global food security at FAO Council

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/01/2025

Tackling global food crises head-on, Monaco joined the 176th FAO Council session to address urgent issues in Gaza, Ukraine, and Lebanon, while backing reforms and EU efforts for sustainable solutions.

From 2nd to 6th December, Monaco joined the 176th session of the FAO Council in Rome, stepping up as an observer to tackle some of today’s most pressing food crises.

The session spotlighted the dire food insecurity in Gaza and the ripple effects of the war in Ukraine on global food systems. In response, the FAO is rolling out initiatives to strengthen local food systems in affected regions. Lebanon, too, remains a major concern, with its agricultural and food security situation continuing to decline. The Council adopted bold emergency measures to address these urgent challenges.

Marking the FAO’s 80th anniversary, discussions also looked to the future. Plans for organizational reforms kicked off, with informal consultations set for early 2025. Monaco will play a role in these talks, leading up to the next FAO Council session and the 44th FAO Conference this summer.

Monaco also backed key EU declarations during the session, pushing for action on global food and agriculture priorities while supporting the FAO’s mission to build a more resilient and sustainable future.

As a member of the conversation on global food security, Monaco continues to play its part in shaping solutions for a more sustainable world.

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: Government Department of Communication

 

Beat the January blues at the Grimaldi Forum’s Electro Winter Party

by: Elsa Carpenter
02/01/2025

The Grimaldi Forum will kick off its 25th anniversary celebrations on 16th January with the Electro Winter Party, an event set to host an impressive lineup of artists in the brand-new 3,000sqm Hall Pinède.

Headlining the event is Bon Entendeur, the French duo famed for blending retro sounds with modern beats. Their 2019 album Aller-Retour paid homage to the music of the 1970s, while their 2021 gold-certified album Minuit solidified their reputation as innovators in electronic music. After a successful 2024 tour, including performances at the Olympia in Paris and major European festivals, Bon Entendeur is set to bring their dynamic energy to Monaco.

Joining them is Parallelle, the sibling duo Thomas and Julien de Bie, known for their genre-defying music that seamlessly combines diverse influences. Adding a local touch is Monaco’s own DJ Baloo, whose sets fuse elements of hip-hop, techno, funk, drum and bass, jazz, and even classical music, promising an electrifying experience.

The event will run from 9pm to 1am, with standing tickets priced at €25 and lounge seating at €45 per person (for a minimum of four).

For more information about the event, click here.

Read related:

Grimaldi Forum Monaco secures another prestigious international award

 

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: Bon Entendeur, Facebook

Applications open for the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge 2025

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/01/2025

The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge 2025 is calling on students, fresh graduates, and early-stage startups to submit groundbreaking solutions for ocean conservation.

This unique initiative, organised by the International University of Monaco, Institut Océanographique de Monaco, Monaco Impact, and the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, aims to inspire innovation and protect our oceans for future generations.

The challenge is open to students with entrepreneurial aspirations and graduates from all disciplines, as well as startups with less than three years of experience. Candidates must present innovative projects that focus on ocean conservation and sustainability.

Participants will compete for cash prizes to fund their projects, gain global exposure, and showcase their solutions to leading industry experts. Winners will also receive mentorship and resources to help bring their ideas to life or scale their existing businesses.

The challenge offers a unique platform to make a real impact on ocean protection, secure funding, and connect with a global network of like-minded individuals and organizations.

Applications are open until 6th March. To apply, click here:  https://bit.ly/3ZY4gWa

For more details about the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge, visit their website.

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 credit: Sébastien Goldberg on Unsplash

 

Twins join Prince Albert and Princess Charlene for NY message to Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
02/01/2025

During his traditional New Year’s address, delivered from the historic Guard Room of the Palais Princier de Monaco and in the presence of his wife and their children, a composed Prince Albert II reflected on the challenges and achievements of 2024 while sharing his inspiring vision for the year ahead.

The Prince of Monaco struck a tone of optimism, unity and resilience in his annual address, reaffirming his commitment to the Principality’s prosperity and wellbeing.

His words carried a message of gratitude for the solidarity and accomplishments of the Monegasque people, as well as the broader international community, while highlighting both the opportunities and potential challenges of 2025.

“The year 2024 draws to a close; this is a special moment for me to address you with all the respect and affection I have for each and every one of you,” he began. “The past year has been marked by challenges but also by numerous successes and the unwavering solidarity that characterises our Monegasque community.”

Prince Albert extended his gratitude to Monaco’s associations, businesses and institutions, commending their contributions to the Principality’s progress over the past year. True to his steadfast dedication to environmental stewardship, the Sovereign also emphasised the importance of sustainability and social responsibility as core values for the future.

“At this time, as we turn a page to write a new one, I would like to pay tribute to your commitment, your resilience and your spirit of brotherhood,” he continued. “The coming year will bring new projects: opportunities to strengthen our environmental commitments, to increase our solidarity with the most vulnerable and to celebrate our common identity.”

As his speech came to a close, his wife, Princess Charlene, and their 10-year-old children, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, joined Prince Albert II to personally extend their own New Year’s wishes. In a touching display of inclusivity, the twins expressed their greetings in Monegasque, French and English, reflecting the Principality’s multicultural heritage.

“May this new year bring you happiness, health and success, as well as to all those who are dear to you,” the Prince concluded. “Bonne année, Happy New Year, bon anu noevu.”

The heartfelt address, delivered with sincerity and warmth, serves as a reminder of the Princely Family’s unwavering dedication to Monaco and its people. It also paves the way for a 2025 imbued with hope, unity and an enduring sense of community.

Read related:

Princess Charlene and twins shine at Monaco’s enchanting Christmas Village launch

 

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: Palais Princier de Monaco

An inspiring start to 2025 awaits at the Médiathèque de Monaco

by: Niki Borisova
02/01/2025

The Mairie-run Médiathèque de Monaco is ringing in 2025 with a rich and diverse cultural agenda that offers something for everyone, from film screenings and literary events to hands-on workshops and activities for children.

Following the announcement that access to the Médiathèque de Monaco will be free from 1st January 2025 onwards, the cultural hub and network of community venues has unveiled an engaging and interactive roster of events for the first month of the new year.

See more: Open to all: access to the Médiathèque de Monaco will be free from 2025

The programme, which is spread across the Médiathèque’s three locations—Bibliothèque Louis Notari, Vidéothèque-Sonothèque José Notari, and Bibliothèque Princesse Caroline-Ludothèque—features a wide array of free events and activities, some of which require prior registration.

At the Bibliothèque Louis Notari, highlights include two ciné-club sessions exploring Andean narratives. The first, on 9th January, will present Animal by Sofia Exarchou, while the 23rd January screening will feature Felipe Gálvez Haberle’s Les Colons.

Literary enthusiasts can look forward to book signings with Violaine Bérot on 14th January and Pauline Déroulède on 17th January. Music lovers will enjoy the Picnic Music events at 12.15pm each Tuesday of the month at the Vidéothèque-Sonothèque José Notari, while the Jeudi Série event will showcase popular TV series on Thursdays at the same time (excluding 30th January).

The January programme also includes a traditional music workshop, a writing session, and a zero-waste sewing class. A conference on eye health by optician Ksenia Jarnova on 30th January and a classical guitar concert by Blagovest Georgiev on 31st January will round out the month.

For younger visitors, the Bibliothèque Princesse Caroline-Ludothèque will host a family yoga session on 11th January, a Kamishibai storytelling performance on 15th January, and a number of creative workshops, including a clown-making session on 29th January. Toddlers up to the age of three can enjoy musical awakening and sensory exploration sessions every Tuesday throughout the month.

All events are free unless otherwise specified. Be sure to check the schedule and register in advance where required.

 

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