The U Sciaratu is Monaco’s big carnival-style festival. This year, it’s made all the more special by the centenary celebrations of Prince Rainier III and a circus theme in his honour. 

Set to take place on Friday 7th July from 6.30pm up on the Rock, the night will feature a mini circus show with fire eaters and stilts walkers. Giant bubbles and balloon sculptors will be on hand to entertain young party goers while the Grand Bal of the festival, from 10pm, will be the likely destination for the older crowd. Head to the Place de la Mairie to get involved! 

In the past, the focus was on disguise: women dressed as men and men dressed at women. It was a riotous party, with food fights and the burning of a straw-and-rags figure on the terrace of the Palace.

U Sciaratu was typically held in the late winter or early spring, and was a mainstay on the Monaco social calendar for centuries, but has been held later in recent years so that the many tourists visiting the Principality can join in with this bit of history.  

The event is totally free and open to all, Monaco residents and visitors to the Principality alike.  

Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.  

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco