Nearly 900 Monégasques gathered around the Princely couple, their children, and several members of the Princely family at Parc Princesse Antoinette on Saturday for the traditional Monegasque picnic, ‘U Cavagnëtu’.

Mayor Georges Marsan, joined by members of the local council, welcomed the Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, officially opening this much-loved annual event that is a highlight of the local community calendar. 

After the traditional presentation of bouquets and a welcome from the dancers of La Palladienne, an open-air mass was celebrated by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David. The choir U Cantin d’A Roca also performed several traditional songs following the Monegasque National Anthem.

After the ceremony, Monégasques gathered around tables set beneath the olive trees, enjoying a feast of socca, barbecues, drinks, ice creams, and traditional Monegasque fougasse, all provided by the Monaco City Hall, alongside the ‘cavagnëtu’ (picnic baskets) that many had prepared for the occasion. As in previous years, fresciœi di baccalà – cod fritters, a Ligurian speciality – were freshly cooked on-site, as part of the continued partnership with the town of Dolceacqua.

Attendees danced the night away at a grand ball held on the multisport field, while children participated in a fun workshop where they crafted small baskets. The musical atmosphere in the park’s walkways was brought to life by a jazz quartet led by Lionel Vaudano, a professor at the Rainier III Academy, along with a performance from the U Cantin d’A Roca choir.

The special evening, which marks the end of summer each year, is designed to celebrate the spirit of the Monegasque community.

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Main photo source: Mairie dde Monaco, Ed Wright Images