The month of November is a time of particular pride for Monaco, as a sea of red and white engulf the Principality and its residents and citizens celebrate one of Europe’s oldest ruling dynasties, the Grimaldi’s.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
While the official National Day is 19th November, there will be plenty of events for families to celebrate in the leadup to the big day.
But first, a bit of history. The date of the National Day is traditionally determined by the reigning Prince who – in the past – often chose the day of the saint they were named after. Prince Rainier III, for instance, chose 19th November, the day that celebrates St. Rainier. When Prince Albert II ascended the throne, however, he ended this tradition by choosing the same day as his father, instead of the day of St. Albert, 15th November.
The 19th November also holds another significance. It is the same day of Prince Albert II’s official ascension to the throne.
National Day is the perfect time to witness all the pomp and circumstance of the Principality: Knights of Malta, distinguished ambassadors, consuls and state officials wear medal-laden uniforms, while members of the community impress with traditional dress.
It is one of the few times of the year that the Princely family will come together and present to the public. Since their birth in 2015, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella have been stealing the show.
While National Day is celebrated with fireworks over the harbour and a mass in the St. Nicholas Cathedral, there are many other public events to celebrate the Principality.
This year, the Monte-Carlo Opera will be presenting ‘Lucia Di Lammermoor’ by Gaetano Donizetti, during three performances at the Grimaldi Forum, starting on Sunday 17th November.
The creation of ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ in 1835 proved a triumph. Four days after the premiere, Gaetano Donizetti wrote: “Lucia […] has been performed, and between friends let me bring shame upon myself and tell you the truth. It pleased, and pleased very much, if I am to believe the applause and the compliments I have received. […] In the [first] finale, after great cheers at the adagio, Duprez in the curse – before the stretta – elicited the wildest applause. Every number was listened to in religious silence and spontaneously hailed with shouts of Evviva!”
Thus ‘Lucia’ immediately set out to conquer Europe, then the world. It is Donizetti’s only tragic opera to have survived the test of time, and is one of the most loved Italian operas.
Tuesday 19th is by invitation only, however the 17th (3pm) and 22nd (8pm) November performance will be open to the public.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday 13th, a special musical is being held for young ones aged between five and 10 at the Espace Léo Ferré. Titled ‘Ilona et le livre magique’, the musical will be performed by the Equinoxe Company.
As each year, the fireworks will take place on the evening of the 18th at the Port of Monaco. This time, they will be accompanied by a soundtrack in tribute to Princess Grace. The late princess was born 90 years ago this November.
Meanwhile, comedian Chantal Ladesou will give two performances titled ‘On the road again’, on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th at the Espace Léo Ferré.
The National Council will be distributing invitations to these events at the Town Hall on Wednesday 6th November for Monegasque nationals and their spouses, and on Thursday 7th November for Monegasque nationals, their spouses and residents.
[/ihc-hide-content]