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Day: 26 August 2025

Monaco celebrates the art of underwater photography this September

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/08/2025

From 4th to 7th September, Monaco will host an extraordinary celebration of the marine world through the lens of photography. Organised by the Monaco Underwater Exploration Club (CESMM), the event will feature three major competitions: the 20th National Underwater Photography Contest, the 2nd International Challenge, and the Junior Contest, all united by the motto “To know better is to protect better.”

Under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II, the gathering reaffirms Monaco’s commitment to ocean conservation. “Underwater photography competitions are essential because they make the invisible visible,” said Roger Mullot, President of CESMM. “An image speaks louder than words, sparking wonder or awareness of human threats.”

For three days, professionals and rising talents will dive into Monaco’s waters with a shared goal: to reveal the beauty, fragility, and diversity of the oceans.

Three competitions, three perspectives

The 20th National Contest, CESMM’s flagship event, will see 13 teams of photographer-divers compete across categories including macro, wide-angle, fish, and an imposed theme. The jury will award special prizes alongside overall rankings.

International focus will come with the 2nd International Challenge, where 11 teams representing 11 countries will compete in a series of dives — including a pioneering night dive, a world first. “Shooting conditions are much more challenging at night,” explained Mullot, “but the marine life encountered is entirely different.”

Meanwhile, the Junior Contest has already engaged children over the summer months, introducing them to the art of underwater photography. With categories for “Jellyfish” (ages 8–12) and “Seahorse” (ages 13–17), the contest nurtures future guardians of the marine environment. “They are the actors of tomorrow and the guardians of the work we are doing today,” said Sophie Guillou, President of the Organising Committee.

A legacy of commitment

CESMM, under the aegis of the Monegasque Federation of Underwater Activities, continues to play a key role in Monaco’s ocean advocacy. With more than 300 introductory dives already organised at the Rainier III pool, the club promotes awareness of marine ecosystems well beyond competition.

“The images captured at depth are not just beautiful,” added Mullot, “they are a call to protect our planet’s most vital environment.”

Practical information

  • Thursday 4th September: Opening of the event

  • Friday 5th September: International Challenge, day dives followed by a world-first night dive

  • Saturday 6th September: National Contest, two dives during the day

  • Sunday 7th September: Awards ceremony at 10 am, Oceanographic Museum of Monaco (Conference Hall)

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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

 

Oceanographic Museum welcomes disadvantaged families for special marine programme

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
26/08/2025

The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco has opened its doors to five families from disadvantaged backgrounds for an immersive four-day discovery programme. 

Running from August 25th to 28th, 17 participants, including parents and children, accompanied by two volunteer supervisors from Secours Catholique d’Aix-en-Provence-Arles, are embarking on a journey to experience the Mediterranean. Activities include whale watching expeditions, snorkelling adventures, visits to the museum’s aquarium, and hands-on museum workshops.

The ‘Oceano pour tous – famille’ programme, launched in 2024 with financial aide from the Association of Friends of Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum, under the aegis of the Monegasque Federation of Underwater Activities (FMAS), specifically targets families who face economic, social, or geographical barriers and thus can’t have easy access to the ocean.

A 360-degree ocean experience

Tiziana Caporale, Head of education and animation services at the Oceanographic Institute, explained to Monaco Life that the initiative offers a truly complete discovery programme: “We start at the museum with a visit to our aquariums where they’ll see species behind glass, they’ll discover our exhibition dedicated to the Mediterranean as it would be if we managed to protect it by 2050.”

But more than that, the experience extends far beyond museum walls.”This afternoon, there are no more windows, no more rooms—they’ll be in the water, in the sea at the foot of the museum with a mask and snorkel, and will be able to observe Mediterranean marine life,” Caporale explained.

Wednesday’s programme includes whale watching in the Pelagos Sanctuary. “Tomorrow morning, if the weather permits, they’ll take to the open sea and will be able to discover what is the people of the open sea, marine mammals. We hope for encounters in the Pelagos Sanctuary, with dolphins, whales, why not turtles,” she said.

Interactive workshops also include discovering coastal marine animals through hands-on exploration of crabs, starfish and sea cucumbers, virtual reality dives, and educational sessions on plastic pollution.

However, according to Caporale, the initiative is more than just marine exploration, it helps to strengthen family relationships in ways that daily life often doesn’t allow.

The 17 participants gathered outside the Oceanographic Museum, photo by Monaco Life.

First-time visitors overwhelmed by the unique opportunity

Eighteen-year-old twins Tanina and Dihya Boualem from Aix-en-Provence are experiencing Monaco for the first time, and their excitement is truly heartwarming. Speaking to Monaco Life, Tanina expressed how the opportunity came at the perfect moment: “I had the stress of the baccalaureate, so news of this opportunity took some of the stress away. I’m super happy to be here.”

Both sisters had specific expectations of their visit. “I saw there was a whale skeleton, that fascinated me a bit, and I know there are several aquariums, but immense aquariums, and that’s what appeals to me too,” Tanina said.

Their first glimpse of the museum’s grand hall left them speechless. “It’s ‘wow’, it’s incredible, really gigantic. I didn’t think I’d discover such an immense place. Even the details, look at the chandeliers, I didn’t think everything could have a connection to the ocean,” Tanina told Monaco Life.

Her sister Dihya agreed, adding that being surrounded by family made the experience all the more comforting. “It feels very familial — we’re united, there’s no awkwardness, and we can speak openly with one another. Honestly, there’s nothing to complain about.”

Visit of the participants to the Oceanographic Museum’s aquarium, photo by Monaco Life.

A partnership with lasting impact

Robert Calcagno, Director General of Monaco’s Oceanographic Institute, highlighted the programme’s importance: “Seeing the sea for the first time, observing large marine mammals in their natural environment, or swimming among coastal fish…These moments of wonder shared as a family will remain, I hope, engraved in memory. They are powerful triggers for a sensitive and lasting connection with the Ocean.”

The initiative represents a three-way collaboration with the Oceanographic Institute, the Association of Friends of Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum, and Secours Catholique-Caritas France.

With the initiative already proving successful, a second family programme is already scheduled for 20th to 23rd October.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video below…

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

Monaco International Book Fair returns this September with writers from 12 nations

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/08/2025

The 14th edition of the Monaco International Book Fair will be held on 6th and 7th September, bringing together nearly 150 authors and literature lovers for a weekend of encounters, debates, and inspiration.

The Salon International du Livre de Monaco has become a highlight of the cultural calendar, welcoming established authors, emerging voices, and passionate readers to exchange ideas in a uniquely Monegasque setting. This year’s edition promises to be no exception, transforming the Principality into a hub of creativity and literary exploration.

A rich and diverse programme

Over two days, the fair will offer conferences, round tables, and literary cafés where writers share their creative process and the inspiration behind their works. Visitors will be able to attend lively debates, discover different facets of storytelling, and meet authors in person through book signings.

150 authors, 12 nationalities

Close to 150 authors from 12 countries will be in attendance, offering a remarkable variety of perspectives and styles. From well-known names in the literary world to promising new talent, the programme reflects the fair’s ambition to celebrate both tradition and innovation in writing.

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Photo credit: Tom Hermans, Unsplash

How to apply for Monaco’s 2025–2026 study and social promotion grants

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/08/2025

Applications are now live for the Principality’s study and social promotion grants for the 2025–2026 academic year. With strict deadlines ahead, candidates are encouraged to prepare their submissions without delay.

Every year, the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports supports students and professionals in Monaco with financial assistance designed to ease the cost of studies. These grants are more than just financial support; they are a pathway for young people to pursue higher education and for adults to retrain, refine skills, and invest in lifelong learning.

Applications for study grants must be submitted before 2 pm on Friday 26th September 2025, while social promotion grants must be requested before the start date of the chosen training course.

Who can apply?

Eligibility spans a broad spectrum of Monaco’s community. Applicants may qualify if they are of Monegasque nationality, the spouse of a Monegasque, or a foreign national dependent on a Monegasque citizen. Other categories include dependents or orphans of State or Commune agents, staff of public establishments or French services established in the Principality by treaty, as well as foreign residents with at least 10 uninterrupted years of residence in Monaco.

Age requirements also apply: candidates for study grants must be under 28 as of 31st December 2025, while applicants for social promotion grants must be under 50 at the time of filing their dossier.

Simple steps to apply

Applications can be submitted quickly and securely online via MonGuichet.mc, under the Education or Employment sections. For those without digital access, paper forms remain available from the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports at 5, promenade Honoré II, or by request via denjs@gouv.mc.

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Photo credit: Richard McCreery

Monaco prepares Port Hercule for 2025 Yacht Show installations

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/08/2025

The countdown has begun for the Monaco Yacht Show 2025, with assembly works set to start on 30th August across Port Hercule and surrounding areas, ahead of the Principality’s most prestigious international yachting event.

The Monaco Yacht Show 2025 will take place from 24th to 27th September, bringing together the world’s leading shipyards, brokers, and luxury brands. With its significant economic and cultural impact on the Principality, preparations for the show require an extensive logistical operation, which will begin at the end of this month.

From 30th August, installation works will be concentrated around Port Hercule, affecting the Quai des États-Unis, avenue J.F. Kennedy, the Route de la Piscine, and the port’s quays. From 8th September, activities will extend to the Quai Antoine Ier.

Traffic and safety adjustments

To ensure safety during the construction and assembly phase, temporary parking bans and changes to traffic circulation will be implemented. Certain zones may be closed entirely for short periods.

Despite these constraints, the State Services and event organisers say they have worked closely to introduce mitigating measures. These include easing restrictions at peak hours, allowing for school drop-offs nearby, and maintaining delivery access through adapted circulation plans.

Closures during the event

The Route de la Piscine will be closed from 15th September to 1st October, though it will remain open in the Portier–Quai Antoine Ier direction during morning rush hours. Exceptions will apply on the day before the opening of the show, as well as the three days following its closure.

Additionally, from 8th September, a dedicated parking area for two-wheelers will be made available on the avenue de la Quarantaine to offset the occupation of Quai Antoine Ier.

Returning to normal

Public spaces will be progressively reopened from 28th September, with a complete return to normal expected by 9th October.

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Photo source: Government communication Department