27 ° C
Profile

Month: January 2025

Monaco sees slight rise in divorces and shifting birth patterns in 2024

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/01/2025

The Mairie de Monaco’s annual civil status report for 2024 has revealed intriguing shifts in demographic trends, including a slight increase in divorces, fewer births, and a continued preference for Monaco’s maternity services among parents from neighboring areas. These figures offer a glimpse into the evolving social fabric of the Principality.

A total of 721 births were recorded in Monaco last year, a drop from 804 in 2023. Of these, 399 were boys and 322 girls, with the overwhelming majority born at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace. Only one birth occurred at home.

Other key insights revealed that the number of children born outside of marriage (361) exceeded those born to married couples (360). Just over 200 of the new parents were residents of Monaco, meaning that the majority of births (519) were to parents from nearby French communes, including Menton, Beausoleil and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

The most popular names for girls in 2024 included Rose, Victoria and Emma, while Jules, Léo and Lorenzo led the choices for boys.

Divorce on the rise as marriages decline

Marriages in the Principality saw a notable decrease, with 176 ceremonies performed in 2024 compared to 194 the previous year. Only six of these unions were between two Monegasque nationals, while the majority involved mixed-nationality couples or two foreign nationals.

Divorces, however, showed a modest rise, climbing to 66 cases from 64 in 2023. This increase hints at changing dynamics within relationships, aligning with broader global trends.

A steady decrease in deaths

The report also noted a slight decline in deaths, from 538 in 2023 to 509 in 2024. Deaths were evenly distributed between men and women and primarily occurred in hospitals, with a smaller percentage in clinics or retirement homes. Among the deceased, 261 were Monaco residents, while the rest lived in adjacent French towns, reflecting the Principality’s reach beyond its borders.

Insights from centuries of records

Monaco’s civil registry, one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 16th century, continues to serve as a rich source of historical and demographic insight. These latest statistics shed light on the evolving lifestyles and preferences of Monaco’s diverse population, reinforcing the Principality’s status as both a cultural and medical hub.

Read related:

Getting a divorce in Monaco: what you need to know

 

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: Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life

Monaco’s most popular baby names of 2024 revealed

by: Elsa Carpenter
09/01/2025

After Emma in 2022 and Louise in 2023, it was the turn of the eternally appreciated floral name Rose that topped the list of baby names for girls in Monaco last year, while Jules emerged as a favourite among parents of newborn baby boys.

The Mairie de Monaco has released its annual review of births in the Principality for 2024, a year in which many more boys than girls joined the local population.

In total, 721 babies were born in Monaco: 399 boys and 322 girls. Almost all of the births took place within the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, with just one mother giving birth at home.

Louis and Marie Ducruet were among the new parents in 2024; Prince Albert II’s nephew and his wife welcomed their second daughter, Constance, in early December.

See more: Louis and Marie Ducruet welcome second baby girl

Interestingly, the number of children born outside of marriage (361) slightly exceeded those born to married couples (360), signalling a subtle shift in family structures.

While 202 families were residents of Monaco, the majority of births (519) were to parents from nearby French communes, particularly Menton, Beausoleil and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, underscoring Monaco’s position as a trusted healthcare hub in the region.

Most popular baby names of 2024

The most popular name for a girl born in Monaco in 2024 was Rose. Other favourites included Victoria, Emma, Louise, Angelina and the shorter Lina moniker.

For boys, Jules was the most popular choice, followed by Léo, Lorenzo, Noah, Liam, Louis and Raphaël.

The blend of European names, predominantly French, Italian and British, reflects the Principality’s cosmopolitan nature and its embrace of both local and global traditions.

Changing trends

In 2023, Théo topped the list for boys’ names, ahead of Gabriel, Léo, Leonardo and Andrea. The previous year, the Top 5 featured Leonardo, Gabriel, Raphaël, Aaron and Louis.

Louise was the top pick for parents of baby girls in 2023, coming before Chloé, Emma, Jade and Chiara. The year before had seen Emma take the top spot, followed by Victoria, Alice, Chloé and Stella.

Meanwhile, the first baby of 2025 to be born in Monaco was a little girl called Serena. Born to a Monegasque mother, Emma Bellanti-Gamerdinger, and her Italian partner, Anastasio Bellanti, Serena was welcomed into the world just after 9pm on New Year’s Day at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace.

Read related:

What were the most popular baby names in Monaco in 2023?

 

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: Pixabay

Aeronauts of Monaco shine at Mondovì International Balloon Festival

by: Stephanie Horsman
09/01/2025

The Aeronauts of Monaco joined teams from around the world at the 35th International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Mondovì, Italy, earlier this month. The team, led by Alain Cruteanschii, stood out due to its bold red-and-white envelope and was among the select few chosen to participate in the stunning night shows of the event.

Between 4th and 6th January, crowds gathered in large numbers around the Mondovì Aeroclub, located just outside the picturesque Piedmontese city, to witness the extraordinary displays of hot air balloons from across the globe. Despite challenging weather conditions, the international crews managed to seize favourable moments, launching their balloons multiple times to the delight of onlookers and reaching incredible heights of almost 1,000m.

Among them was the Aeronauts of Monaco team, led by Alain Cruteanschii, who put on an elegant display on the Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening, the latter as part of an enchanting night show.

The process of preparing the Monaco balloon for flight demonstrated meticulous teamwork, involving careful setup, inflation, safety checks, and coordinated communication between the pilot and ground teams. Each flight concluded with a smooth landing at a suitable location, followed by the complete storage and transportation of the hot air balloon back to the Aeroclub.

The Sunday evening flight was a highlight of the event. At dusk, a select fleet of balloons illuminated the gathering site in a mesmerising display of light and colour. This stationary exhibition captivated hundreds of spectators, including local dignitaries, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.

Cruteanschii, who is the president of the Monaco Aeronauts Club, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “With the proximity that binds us to Mondovì, it seems important to me for the Monaco balloon to be available for what is, historically, the first festival of the year. It is a great moment of fraternity and exchange with our Italian friends. I am delighted to come back each time and participate, if only out of respect for the organisers… who always give us a warm welcome.”

For more on the Aeronauts of Monaco and their upcoming events, click here.

Read related:

Prince Albert II of Monaco Cup balloon race postponed until 2025

 

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: Ed Wright / Les Aéronautes de Monaco

Stéphane Tendero positioned as new director of Café de Paris

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/01/2025

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) has announced Stéphane Tendero as the new director of the iconic Café de Paris, located in the heart of Casino Square. Bringing with him three decades of experience in some of France’s most prestigious establishments, Tendero succeeds Eric Gorjux, who oversaw the brasserie’s operations following its grand reopening in 2022.

Just over a year after its highly anticipated reopening, the Café de Paris welcomes a new leader at the helm. Stéphane Tendero, whose career spans 30 years in the hospitality industry, has been chosen to carry forward the vision of this storied Monaco institution. In a statement, SBM lauded Tendero’s “rich professional background”, which includes key leadership roles in celebrated establishments across France.

Tendero’s impressive journey began in restaurant management at the casinos of Bordeaux, Trouville-sur-Mer, and Enghien-les-Bains. He later moved to Paris, where his expertise shone at renowned venues such as La Coupole, where he was appointed executive director in 2014. In 2016, he joined Lagardère Travel Retail, where he contributed to the opening of Thierry Marx’s brasserie. Tendero’s next move was to Fouquet’s Paris, where he served as director of dining for over six years, solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field.

SBM highlighted Tendero’s “ambitious and remarkable career”, positioning him as an ideal choice for the role.

“His expertise will undoubtedly bring new energy to the Café de Paris,” said SBM Deputy Chairman Stéphane Valeri during a press meeting on Wednesday.

See more: 

Reimagining elegance: the Café de Paris transformation

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: Monte-Carlo SBM

 

Monaco’s new concert hall and auditorium to open in autumn 2025

by: Niki Borisova
09/01/2025

Some big changes are in store for Monaco’s cultural scene in 2025. Along with a new library, the Médiathèque Caroline, a brand-new concert hall and auditorium will open in the Îlot Pasteur area later this year. Here’s what we know so far about the site, which is set to replace the current Espace Léo Ferré in Fontvieille.

Monaco will soon welcome a new cultural venue in the Îlot Pasteur area of the Principality. The name of the facility, which will replace the dated Espace Léo Ferré, is yet to be announced, but Mayor Georges Marsan has revealed that the venue will be up and running from autumn 2025, perhaps as early as September.

“This performance hall will be equipped with the latest technologies and will be easily adaptable,” said Marsan. “Local events that have been very successful at Espace Léo Ferré, such as the apéro concerts, will also continue here.”

The long-time mayor has also indicated that the first major event for the venue will likely be Monaco’s National Day celebrations in November 2025.

The development is part of the larger Îlot Pasteur urban renewal project, which includes the new Collège Charles III and a range of public facilities, including a multimedia library called the Médiathèque Caroline in honour of Princess Caroline of Hanover, as well as rehearsal spaces.

The multipurpose site will feature a modular design, making it suitable for various events, from concerts and exhibitions to private functions and conferences. There will also be a recording studio, a valuable resource for local artists. A venue director, who will manage programming and oversee commercial relationships, is set to be appointed in the coming months.

Marsan has hinted that the name of the venue will pay tribute to Monaco’s cultural history and Léo Ferré, the celebrated poet and musician from Monaco, but noted that the site will have its own unique identity within the Principality’s cultural landscape.

Read related:

Collège Charles III opens its doors: a new era of education in Monaco

 

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: Denise Jans, Unsplash

Monaco’s Christmas attractions draw record-breaking visitor numbers

by: Niki Borisova
08/01/2025

Monaco’s festive attractions were a sparkling success over the Christmas period, with record crowds turning out to experience the joys and cheer of the Village de Noël and Village des Sports.

The gingerbread-themed Christmas Village and nearby Village des Sports, both located in Port Hercule, proved to be major highlights of the Principality’s festive calendar. Both attractions offered visitors—locals and tourists alike—a wide array of experiences and thrills. From action-packed adventures on obstacle courses and a 180-metre zipline above the Route de la Piscine to gourmet treats and festive shopping, the two sites were a resounding success, further establishing Monaco’s reputation as a top-quality winter destination.

Between 6th December and 5th January, an incredible 639,017 visitors were welcomed into the Village de Noël—a record figure. The mix of food stalls, craft chalets, and family-friendly attractions, such as fairground rides and musical performances, transformed the Quai Albert I into a hub of seasonal cheer.

Meanwhile, the Village des Sports, which focused on promoting physical activity during the school holidays, was open from 20th December to 5th January. The site drew 25,984 visitors, with 8,391 actively participating in the activities on offer.

The Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacle courses attracted adrenaline junkies of all ages. Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

These impressive statistics underscore Monaco’s ability to captivate audiences with its holiday offerings and its creativity in combining traditional elements of the Christmas season with modern attractions.

Read related:

Village des Sports to bring Christmastime adventure to Port Hercule

 

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.

 

Photos source: Mairie de Monaco