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Day: 22 April 2025

Monaco declares national mourning for Pope Francis with flags at half-mast and moment of silence

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/04/2025

Prince Albert II has declared three days of national mourning in the Principality of Monaco following the death of Pope Francis. The mourning period will take place from Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th April, coinciding with the day of the Pope’s funeral.

In a solemn tribute to the late pontiff, the Prince has also ordered that all flags on public buildings throughout the Principality be flown at half-mast beginning Monday 21st April and remain so until the conclusion of the funeral ceremonies. Additionally, public buildings will not be illuminated during the official mourning period.

A moment of silence will be observed across Monaco at 11am on Friday 25th April. A siren will sound to mark the beginning of the tribute, inviting the entire population to pause and reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis.

While public services, including schools, as well as the private sector will continue to operate as usual, the atmosphere in the Principality will be one of solemn remembrance.

See also: 

Prince Albert II leads Monaco’s mourning as Pope Francis passes away at 88

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

Monaco strengthens ties with Japan during economic mission

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/04/2025

Monaco’s Minister of Finance and Economy, Pierre-André Chiappori, has concluded a high-level visit to Japan, reinforcing diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations and highlighting the Principality’s ambitions on the global stage ahead of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.

During his visit from 16th to 21st April, Chiappori held key meetings in Tokyo with Japan’s Vice-Minister of Finance and the Vice-Minister responsible for Financial Services. Discussions focused on the global economic landscape and the respective strengths of the Japanese and Monegasque economies. Central to the agenda was a bilateral tax agreement currently under negotiation, aimed at easing commercial exchanges and facilitating the settlement of residents. Chiappori expressed hope that the agreement would be finalised in the near future.

According to a government press statement, the minister also engaged with a range of academic, financial, and diplomatic figures, including members of the Japanese alumni association of Columbia University, the French Ambassador to Japan, representatives from the University of Tokyo, Crédit Agricole Japan, and the Mitsubishi Research Institute. As part of his mission, Chiappori delivered a presentation on Monaco’s economy to the French Chamber of Commerce in Japan.

In Osaka, Chiappori visited the site of the 2025 World Expo, touring several national pavilions including those of Japan, France, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Singapore, and San Marino. At the Saudi Arabian Pavilion, he met with organisers of the 2030 World Expo, which Saudi Arabia will host. He also spent significant time at Monaco’s own pavilion, engaging with its team and meeting Japanese partners of the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority and the French Chamber of Commerce in Osaka during a dedicated reception.

“The World Expo is a remarkable opportunity to introduce Monaco to visitors from all backgrounds,” said Pierre-André Chiappori. “Thanks to the outstanding work of its team, Monaco’s pavilion fulfils this mission brilliantly.”

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

Photo source: Government Communication Department

Festival des Etoilés Monte-Carlo 2025 to welcome Michelin-starred newcomers

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/04/2025

The Festival des Etoilés Monte-Carlo is set to welcome two newly Michelin-honoured restaurants into its glittering fifth edition, with a pair of four-hands dinners promising unforgettable gastronomic journeys. L’Abysse Monte-Carlo and Elsa, both recently recognised by the prestigious Michelin Guide, will host celebrated guest chefs for evenings that marry creativity, precision, and culinary heritage.

On Sunday 27th April, sushi master Yasunari Okazaki will welcome Chef Hirotaka Wada to L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, the refined sushi sanctuary at the Hôtel Hermitage. The restaurant, conceived by Yannick Alléno and Okazaki, earned an impressive two Michelin stars just eight months after opening. For this exclusive four-hands dinner, Okazaki will be joined by Wada, chef of the one-starred Sushi Kanesaka in London. Together, the two Japanese masters will craft an Omakase menu that honours the purity and elegance of traditional Japanese cuisine, using rare ingredients and showcasing world-class technique. The evening is priced at €650 with wine and sake pairings. Reservations can be made by calling +377 98 06 94 94.

On 23rd September, the spotlight shifts to Elsa, the Mediterranean jewel nestled within Monte-Carlo Beach, where Chef Marcel Ravin—having successfully reclaimed the restaurant’s Michelin star—will host a culinary evening grounded in sustainability and innovation. Alongside Elsa’s own Chef Domenico D’Antonio, Ravin will team up with Chef Florent Pietravalle of La Mirande in Avignon, another Michelin-starred talent whose restaurant also boasts a Green Star for its environmental ethos. The chefs will create a “Jardin Marin” menu that celebrates fresh, responsibly-sourced produce, including ingredients from the Agerbol estate above Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. The experience, complete with breathtaking sea views, is priced at €450, with an optional wine pairing for €225. Bookings can be made via +377 98 06 50 05.

These two dinners are more than just meals—they are immersive culinary experiences that embody Monaco’s commitment to excellence, artistry, and sustainable fine dining.

See also: 

Dishes from L’Abysse Monte-Carlo and Mirazur named favourites by Michelin inspectors

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

Photo of L’Abysse Monte-Carlo sourced from Monte-Carlo SBM