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Day: 7 February 2025

2025’s Nice Carnival to celebrate Costa Rica and ocean wonders

by: Stephanie Horsman
07/02/2025

With Nice and Costa Rica set to co-host the 2025 UN Ocean Conference later this year, the Nice Carnival is set to honour the Central American nation as part of its wider King of the Oceans theme. This year’s celebration from 12th February to 2nd March will immerse visitors in an unforgettable fusion of life, tradition and sustainability, showcasing the magic of the ocean while highlighting the urgent need for environmental conservation. 

The Nice Carnival, known as Carnaval de Nice in French, is one of the world’s most renowned carnival events, standing alongside the Rio Carnival, the Venetian Carnival and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

This vibrant festival, first mentioned in 1294 when the Count of Provence, Charles d’Anjou, noted celebrating “the joyous days of carnival” in the city, is considered one of the oldest and most significant carnival traditions in the world. The modern version we know today has been part of the local scene since 1873.

Visitors to the 2025 edition can expect all the cherished mainstays of the festival, from intricately designed floats and stunning papier-mâché creations to family-friendly daytime parades, nighttime light shows, the famous flower battles, fireworks, a dedicated Carnival Village and the increasingly popular Lou Queernaval—an exclusively LGBTQ+ event, along with a special dedication to Costa Rica and ocean conservation.

The Central American nation will be represented in Sanctuary: A Journey to the Depths of the Ocean, an artistic performance blending theatre, music, dance and circus arts, organised by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Culture and Youth. Sanctuary tells the story of a fisherwoman and her grandson, who embark on their daily journey to sea. A sudden storm leads them into a surreal underwater adventure, revealing a breathtaking marine sanctuary near Cocos Island. As they navigate this mysterious world, they encounter colourful, magical and even perilous characters, immersing them in an unforgettable experience beneath the waves. The journey ultimately brings them back to the surface, where they find themselves in a lush jungle, reinforcing the deep connection between land and sea.

Beyond its captivating storytelling, Sanctuary carries a profound message about environmental conservation.

Adding to the festive spirit, individuals dressed in full costume can enjoy free access to the illuminated carnival parades within designated pedestrian zones (excluding grandstand areas and subject to availability). This encourages participants to fully embrace the carnival atmosphere and become a real part of the celebrations.

For more information on the event, the programme and where to buy tickets, click here.

Read related:

Everything you need to know about the Nice Carnival

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Photo source: Carnaval de Nice  

Cinema for Change: Monaco’s youth embrace filmmaking for a sustainable future

by: Stephanie Horsman
07/02/2025

At the end of January, almost 500 students from the Principality’s schools and the International University of Monaco gathered at the Théâtre des Variétés to view—and vote on—an array of short films that promote the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, as part of the Cinema for Change initiative.

Organised with the support of the Monegasque Government, the Cinema for Change Festival aims to foster awareness of international development and cohesion among young people. This year marked the 14th edition of the event, which was held on 30th January, with Monaco’s students playing an essential role in selecting the winners of three separate prizes, divided by age group.

Marc Obéron, the festival’s founder, personally introduced six short films in competition to 22 classes from six schools across Monaco. Their votes will be combined with those of students from all over France and the seven countries partnered with Monegasque Cooperation—Burkina Faso, Burundi, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania and Tunisia—forming a vast jury of over 30,000 students.

University students from the Mediterranean-Middle East campus of Sciences Po Paris in Menton were later given the chance to screen the four pre-selected films nominated for the University Students’ Prize. Their involvement is part of an ongoing partnership with the Monegasque Department of International Cooperation, dedicated to educating young scholars on global challenges, human rights and the fight against poverty.

The grand finale of the Cinema for Change Festival will take place on 12th April at the GoodPlanet Foundation in Paris, where the winning films will be honoured. As anticipation builds, Monaco’s students can take pride in their role as changemakers, using the power of cinema to inspire a more sustainable and equitable future.

 

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: Monaco Department of International Cooperation 

Monaco Economic Board strengthens Swiss ties with strategic Zurich visit

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/02/2025

In a concerted effort to bolster economic relations between Monaco and Switzerland, the Monaco Economic Board (MEB), in collaboration with the Attractiveness Unit, Monaco Private Label, the Embassy of Monaco in Switzerland, and the Consulate of Monaco in Zurich, has embarked on a series of strategic initiatives to create new opportunities for its members.

Following its inaugural participation in Davos, the MEB’s Executive Director General, Guillaume Rose, and Deputy Director General, Justin Highman, visited Zurich from 28th to 30th January. The primary goal of the visit was to identify new business prospects and strengthen strategic relationships with key economic actors in the region, laying the groundwork for an upcoming economic mission to Zurich and its environs.

During their stay, Rose and Highman engaged with several important organisations. They were received by Claire Louis, Deputy Director and Head of the Zurich office of the French Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an entity that unites over 1,000 Swiss and French companies, representing a network of 3,000 business contacts. This partnership is deemed strategic for the MEB’s economic cooperation projects.

The MEB team also met with Raphaël Tschanz, Director of the Zurich Chamber of Commerce, to explore bilateral development opportunities. As a key regional player, the Zurich Chamber is committed to enhancing the attractiveness of Switzerland’s economic capital.

Additionally, Laurin Brüninger, Global Consultant Investment Promotion at Switzerland Global Enterprise, shared insights into Switzerland’s economic landscape, highlighting promising sectors for Monegasque entrepreneurs and foreign investment opportunities. Switzerland Global Enterprise, the official Swiss organization responsible for export and economic promotion, can serve as an intermediary for MEB companies seeking Swiss partners and distributors.

The mission also encompassed a cultural dimension. The MEB and its partners attended a performance of Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Romeo and Juliet by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, an event that gathered over 20 guests from the networks of the Monaco Embassy in Switzerland, the Monaco Consulate in Switzerland, Monaco Private Label, and the MEB.

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: MEB Deputy Director General Justin Highman (left) and Guillaume Rose, Executive Director General (right) in Switzerland. Photo source: MEB