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Month: December 2025

Place du Casino becomes winter wonderland as Princely family kicks off Christmas

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
01/12/2025

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, joined by Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, led the official lighting ceremony at the Place du Casino on Saturday 29th November, marking the start of Monaco’s Christmas season with style and elegance.

Crowds filled the iconic square to witness the Princely family take part in the annual tradition, a moment that continues to hold a special place in the Principality’s festive calendar.

Crowds gathered at Place du Casino, Crédit photo : Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier / Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

The princely twins took centre stage, as they launched the spectacular light display at around 6pm, watched by their parents and gathered crowds. At their signal, a towering Christmas tree burst into life with 6,000 lights, followed by five giant snow globes that now adorn the historic square.

The evening’s highlight came as the Casino de Monte-Carlo’s façade transformed into a canvas for the ‘Reindeer Show’, a choreographed display of lights and music.

The Princely Family watching the light show, Crédit photo : Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier / Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

The Princely Family, accompanied by by Stéphane Valéri, President-Delegate of the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), and Minister of State Christophe Mirmand with his wife, then toured the five oversized snow globes.

Designed as musical boxes around the theme ‘The Magic of Monte-Carlo Christmas’, each presents a scene featuring five reindeer characters – Flocon, Rose, Hercule, Stella and Rudolph, Father Christmas’s faithful companion.

The Princely Family during the tour, Crédit photo : Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier / Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

After the tour, Santa Claus also made a special appearance, surprising and hugging the twins and greeting Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, before posing for photographs with the family.

Santa Claus visiting the twins, Crédit photo : Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier / Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

The ceremony marks the official launch of the festive season, which runs until January 6th. For anyone who missed the spectacular light show, it will be projected again onto the Casino façade every thirty minutes at weekends in December between 6pm and 10pm, with daily performances during the school holidays.

See more in our video reel below…

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Main photo credit : Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier / Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Chef Marcel Ravin awarded France’s prestigious Ordre du Mérite Agricole

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/12/2025

Chef Marcel Ravin, one of Monaco’s most celebrated culinary figures, has been awarded the Ordre du Mérite Agricole, a French honour recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture. The distinction was presented on 20th November by the French Ambassador to Monaco, Jean d’Haussonville, during a ceremony attended by Prince Albert II.

Already a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur and the creative force behind several Michelin‑starred restaurants, Chef Ravin now adds the “Poireau” to his list of accolades. The honour acknowledges his long-standing commitment to championing producers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and elevating the role of responsibly sourced ingredients in haute cuisine.

Ambassador d’Haussonville praised Ravin’s influence on both sides of the food chain. “It is through tables like yours that our agriculture regains meaning and a future,” he said. “Your level of excellence demands high‑quality products and pushes our producers to aim even higher.”

Chef Ravin’s approach to gastronomy is deeply rooted in respect for origin, seasonality and craftsmanship. At Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, he has been instrumental in expanding the use of local and sustainable supply chains, drawing on the gardens of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, the Domaine d’Agerbol, and regional maritime producers. His restaurant Elsa earned the Ethical and Environmental Responsibility Prize from La Liste in 2023, while Blue Bay received the Restaurant Engagé certification in 2021.

With two Michelin stars at Blue Bay at the Monte‑Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, and one at Elsa at Monte-Carlo Beach, Ravin continues to shape the principality’s gastronomic identity while championing the work of farmers, fishermen and artisans.

Receiving the award, Ravin reflected on the personal meaning behind the honour. “It is more than a distinction—it is a return to my roots,” he said. “My journey began with my feet in the soil and my eyes on the hands that plant, prune and harvest. Before the heat of the kitchen, I knew the earth. Before the stars, I knew the mud. I learned that agriculture is not just a profession; it is a transmission.”

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Photo source: MCSBM

Monaco to host 30th International Judo Tournament with world-class talent

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/12/2025

The Principality is preparing to welcome over 100 elite athletes for the 30th edition of the Tournoi International de Judo de Monaco (TIJM) – Trophée Gérard Bertrand, taking place on Sunday 7th December 2025 at the Salle Gaston Médecin in Stade Louis II.

Organised by the Fédération Monégasque de Judo, the tournament is a standout event on the European judo calendar, showcasing team-based matches that deliver intensity, drama, and high-level sport. Teams of seven senior male judokas will compete across weight categories from –60kg to +100kg, with the first team to win four matches advancing.

Return of the Japanese

This year’s edition is marked by the much-anticipated return of the Japanese team, absent in 2024. Representing the renowned Nittai Judo Club of Tokyo, the squad includes Hayato and Genki Koga, sons of the late Olympic champion Toshihiko Koga, along with a lineup of rising stars eager to make their mark in Monaco.

A strong home side

Team Monaco is also stepping up with a powerful lineup. Marvin Gadeau, who represented the Principality at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, will compete in the +100kg category. He’ll be joined by Matthieu Pettiti (–81kg) and Abdesalem Khiri (–66kg), both of whom medalled for Monaco at the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe, and Aleksa Mitrovic (–90kg), the 2022 World Junior bronze medallist and French junior champion.

Tough competition from France and beyond

The Institut du Judo (IJ) of Paris is considered one of the top contenders, while other strong French teams include 17e RGP Montauban, Judo Club de Venelles (Pro League), Jita Kyo Ei (Montpellier), Olympique Judo Montpellier, Judo Vaucluse – Grand Avignon, Nice Métropole, and Ligue Nouvelle Aquitaine.

Teams from Italy, Lithuania, Ukraine, and others will also compete, setting the stage for a thrilling day of high-level judo.

Spectator-friendly format

The team format — with quick turnarounds and momentum swings — has made the tournament a favourite among judo fans. Teams are grouped in pools and guaranteed at least three matches. The top team from each group advances to the semi-finals, followed by a third-place match and the grand final.

Admission is free, and a refreshment stand will be available on-site for attendees.

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Photo source: Tournoi International de Judo de Monaco