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Rokethon’s third edition brings animal welfare and adoption to the heart of Monaco

by: Kayla Sauceda
28/09/2026

Animal lovers and their four-legged friends came together in Fontvieille on Sunday 27th September as Rokethon returned for its third edition, transforming the Bit Top into a celebration for animals, responsible pet ownership, and adoption.

Organised by the Rokethon organisation, the annual event brought together families, pet owners, animal welfare organisations, and dogs of all shapes and sizes for a day centred around a shared commitment to improving the lives of animals.

Throughout the day, visitors were able to discover animals looking for homes and meet the associations protecting them, alongside a full range of activities from agility and entertainment to art and photography.

A four-legged participant at the third edition of Rokethon in Fontvieille. Photo credits: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

At the heart of the event was Rokethon’s symbolic walk around the Bit Top, designed to bring everyone together behind the cause of animal welfare.

For Rokethon President Sylvia Sermenghi, however, the event is intended to be more than simply a gathering for animal lovers.

“It’s like a big celebration of animals. That is how I want it to feel,” Sermenghi told Monaco Life. “I don’t want something really commercial, because that means we will be making money on the back of the animals. I don’t want that. I want to help animals.”

That mindset extends to the association’s approach to animal welfare more broadly. Sermenghi believes improving the lives of animals requires not only financial support, but a better understanding of their needs and behaviours.

“Helping animals is not only about providing financial support; it also requires love, compassion and knowledge,” she said.

The challenges surrounding animal welfare have become increasingly important as shelters face growing demand and the cost of caring for a pet continues to rise. Sermenghi acknowledged the financial realities facing owners.

Rather than judging those who struggle, she said greater awareness is needed around what responsible ownership entails and the commitment involved in welcoming an animal into a home.

Participants come together for Rokethon’s symbolic walk around the Chapiteau de Fontvieille. Photo credits: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

EDUCATION AT THE HEART OF ROKETHON’S FUTURE

Looking beyond the annual event, Sermenghi hopes Rokethon can play a greater role in shaping attitudes towards animals in Monaco, beginning with younger generations.

Among the association’s ambitions is greater animal welfare education in schools, teaching children not only how to treat animals, but also to recognise and speak up when they witness mistreatment. Sermenghi believes that animals should be understood as an integral part of the environment that children are taught to protect.

She also hopes to work more closely with the Monegasque government on animal welfare initiatives, with an ambition to make Monaco an example in the way animals are treated.

“I want to change some little things for the animals,” she said. “And make an example of Monaco for the animals.”

With its third edition now complete, Rokethon continues to develop from an annual gathering into a wider effort to encourage adoption, responsible ownership, and a greater understanding of animal welfare across the Principality.

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Photo credit: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

RIBCO and Brooks Brothers unite in style at the Monaco Yacht Show

by: Kayla Sauceda
28/09/2026

RIBCO and Brooks Brothers came together during the 2026 Monaco Yacht Show to showcase the worlds of luxury yachting and timeless American style at an elegant cocktail reception hosted at the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Held at the Brooks Brothers boutique within the Yacht Club de Monaco, over 300 guests joined for a celebration of RIBCO’s presence at the Monaco Yacht Show as the shipyard presented its latest model, the Venom 45 SC.

The collaboration brought together two brands with unique but complementary identities. Renowned Greek shipyard RIBCO has built its reputation on high-performance RIB vessels designed with exceptional quality, meticulous attention to detail, and luxurious decks. Meanwhile, Brooks Brothers celebrates over two centuries of American fashion and style.

“We are delighted that the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 has proven to be another successful event for RIBCO,” said Makis Marinis, CEO and shareholder of RIBCO Monaco. “The occasion offered an ideal platform to showcase our latest model, the Venom 45 SC, and to connect with industry enthusiasts and valued clients.”

A MONACO MEETING OF TWO WORLDS

The Yacht Club de Monaco offered an exceptional setting for the collaboration, aligning RIBCO’s nautical expertise with Brooks Brothers’ longstanding commitment to craftsmanship and traditional style.

“It is a pleasure to introduce RIBCO’s latest models to the patrons and loyal clients of Brooks Brothers here at the Yacht Club de Monaco,” said Konstantinos Tsouvelekakis, shareholder of RIBCO Monaco and Brooks Brothers Monaco. “This refined setting in the Principality acts as a perfect backdrop, not only for yacht club members but for all of Monaco’s residents and Monaco Yacht Show visitors alike.”

As part of one of Monaco’s most anticipated annual events, the evening offered both brands an opportunity to connect with an international audience and celebrate their shared focus on quality, craftsmanship, and design.

See more in the gallery below. Photos provided.

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Photos provided

The Sophs and Copycat to take the stage as Kaléido returns to Monaco

by: Kayla Sauceda
24/09/2026

Monaco’s youth-focused cultural programme Kaléido will return this October with a new live music event, bringing two rising rock acts to Auditorium Rainier III.

The event will take place on Saturday 3rd October, transforming Auditorium Rainier III’s Troparium into a festival space with a stage, DJ set, food trucks, and live performances filling the evening. The evening will begin at 6pm with a DJ set and food trucks, before live performances get underway at 8.30pm. Entry will be free; however, reservations are recommended via Montecarloticket.com or directly through the venue itself.

Created by Monaco’s Direction des Affaires Culturelles, Kaléido is dedicated to offering new experiences to younger audiences in the Principality. The upcoming event follows its summer concert featuring French singer Styleto at Fort Antoine.

THE SOPHS AND COPYCAT TAKE THE STAGE

California group The Sophs will headline the evening, bringing indie rock, pop-punk, funk, blues, and influences from the 1990s to the stage. The group recently released its debut album Goldstar and has continued to gain attention across the international rock scene.

Also taking the stage will be French pop-rock duo Copycat, formed by cousins Apolline and Zoé. The pair began making music together during a family meal and have since established themselves on the French music scene.

Their debut EP Morning Routine looks at topics relevant to life in your twenties, from relationships and body image to nights out and everyday struggles. They also incorporate dance, choreography and guitar solos into their performances.

The October event marks the latest step in Kaléido’s growing youth programme, bringing a new generation of artists and audiences into Monaco’s cultural spaces.

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Photo credit: The Sophs on Instagram

Monaco’s Fête de la Science returns for fifth edition

by: Kayla Sauceda
23/09/2026

The scientific community of Monaco will come together later this month as the Fête de la Science returns to the Principality for its fifth edition, offering the public an opportunity to discover topics ranging from marine biology and archaeology to medicine and environmental research.

The event will take place on Wednesday 30th September from 2pm to 6pm at Espace Léo Ferré, offering free entry and activities designed for both children and adults.

SCIENCE BROUGHT TO LIFE

Rather than simply presenting work taking place across Monaco’s scientific institutions, the afternoon will give visitors the chance to get involved through live experiments, demonstrations, quizzes, educational games, and hands-on activities.

Among the institutions taking part will be the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), with researchers from its marine, medical, and polar biology departments sharing their work directly with the public.

Visitors will have the chance to observe corals under a microscope and explore their anatomy with 3D models, while sea anemones will be used to demonstrate concepts surrounding the human immune system. The CSM’s polar biology team will also introduce its research on penguins and Antarctic ecosystems.

The Spéléo Club de Monaco will introduce visitors to the world of caving and the geology, biology, and archaeology connected to it.

FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN TO HUMAN HEALTH

With Monaco’s Mediterranean connection, marine science and conservation will play a major role throughout the event.

The Oceanographic Institute will present an activity linked to its Méditerranée 2050 programme, exploring the region’s biodiversity and ecosystems alongside pressures from pollution, climate change, and overfishing. Visitors will also be encouraged to consider, with this information in mind, what the Mediterranean could look like by 2050 and how it must be protected.

Additional participants will bring research covering cetacean conservation, marine pollution, protected areas, and climate change, while the full programme will extend beyond the sea.

SCIENCE BEYOND THE SEA

The Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG), where more than 50 clinical research projects are currently taking place, will highlight the role of research in the development of new medicines, medical devices, diagnostic methods, and treatments.

Meanwhile, Monaco’s prehistoric and natural heritage will also be showcased through the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique and Jardin Exotique, whose Botanical Centre houses more than 10,000 cacti and succulents, around 85% of which are protected species, while conducting research on plant reproduction, growth, and conservation.

Bringing together institutions, associations and researchers from across the Principality and beyond, the Fête de la Science aims to make scientific research accessible beyond laboratories and institutions, giving the public the chance to observe, experiment and interact directly with those behind the work.

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Photo credit: Government Communications Department / Manuel Vitali

U Cavagnëtu marks Monaco’s return from summer

by: Kayla Sauceda
21/09/2026

More than 800 Monegasques gathered at Parc Princesse Antoinette for the traditional U Cavagnëtu picnic, bringing the community together for its annual gathering.

The picnic took place on Saturday 19th September, with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attending alongside Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, Leticia de Massy, and several other members of the Princely Family.

Welcomed by Mayor Georges Marsan and members of the Municipal Council, the Princely Family joined fellow Monegasques for the event, which traditionally marks the return from summer and offers an opportunity for the community to come together again.

MONEGASQUE TRADITIONS AT THE HEART OF THE EVENING

The evening began with the presentation of bouquets and traditional dances by La Palladienne, before an outdoor Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Dominique-Marie David, accompanied by traditional songs from the U Cantin d’A Roca choir.

Families gathered under the olive trees of Parc Princesse Antoinette with baskets brought for the occasion, along with Monaco City Hall’s selection of local specialties, including socca, barbecues, Monegasque fougasses, ice cream, and other treats.

The menu also extended beyond the Principality’s specialties as fresciœi di baccalà, a Ligurian specialty made with cod, was prepared on site in recognition of Monaco’s twinning with Dolceacqua, which will celebrate its third anniversary this November.

AN EVENING FOR ALL GENERATIONS

Music continued throughout the evening with a jazz quartet led by Académie Rainier III professor Lionel Vaudano, as well as performances from U Cantin d’A Roca.

Younger guests had the opportunity to take part in a tote bag decorating workshop and enjoy roaming clowns, while a photobooth gave families the chance to take home a memory from the evening.

Bringing together food, music, and traditions, U Cavagnëtu once again offered the community a chance to reunite following the summer and mark the beginning of a new season in the Principality.

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Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger and Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier

Tennis: Monaco’s Davis Cup rise continues with historic win over Finland

by: Kayla Sauceda
21/09/2026

Monaco has made Davis Cup history after defeating Finland 3-1 to secure a place in the 2027 Davis Cup Qualifiers for the first time.

The historic result played out in Espoo, Finland, where Monaco faced the home team in a World Group I tie on 18th and 19th September. Entering the weekend ranked 35th in the Davis Cup nations rankings compared to Finland at 20th, Monaco looked to continue its quick rise after reaching World Group I for the first time earlier this year.

CATARINA MAKES HIS RETURN

The weekend began on Friday with Lucas Catarina making his return to competition following his retirement last year, facing Finland’s Otto Virtanen, currently ranked world No. 108.

Having not competed professionally in more than two years due to injury, Catarina struggled in the opening set, losing 6-0. He put up a stronger fight in the second, but Virtanen ultimately secured the match with a 6-3 second-set victory.

Catarina later revealed to Monaco Life that he had not originally expected to compete in Finland. However, after returning to training ahead of the tie, his level proved better than expected and he was ultimately selected to play. Despite his appearance in Finland, Catarina confirmed that he does not currently plan to make a full-time return to professional tennis.

Valentin Vacherot then faced world No. 446 Eero Vasa in Monaco’s second match of the day. The Monaco representative, world No. 21, took the first set 6-3 before a closer second set went to a tiebreak, where Vacherot secured a 7-6(3) victory, levelling the score at 1-1 heading into Saturday’s competition.

MONACO TAKES THE LEAD

Romain Arneodo and Hugo Nys opened Saturday’s competition against Finland’s Patrik Niklas-Salminen and Harri Heliövaara in doubles.

After losing the first set 6-3, the Monegasque duo turned the match around to win the following two sets 6-4, 6-3, giving Monaco a 2-1 advantage heading into the remaining singles matches. The comeback proved crucial, putting Monaco within one victory of securing its historic place in the Davis Cup Qualifiers.

Vacherot returned to the court next, this time facing Virtanen, with the opportunity to secure the decisive third victory for Monaco.

The opening set remained close before Vacherot took the tiebreak 7-6(3). Virtanen responded with a 6-4 victory in the second, sending the match to a deciding third set.

Vacherot ultimately came out on top, taking the third and final set 6-4, securing Monaco’s third victory of the weekend and making the fifth scheduled match unnecessary.

HISTORY MADE FOR MONACO

The result marks another historic step for Monaco’s Davis Cup team, which reached World Group I for the first time earlier this year and will now advance to the 2027 Davis Cup Qualifiers for the first time.

Vacherot played a key role in the achievement, winning both of his singles matches across the weekend. He spoke about the development of the Monaco team, particularly over the last five years, as well as the longstanding relationships between its players.

For Catarina, returning to the Monaco team also meant being part of a historic first for the Principality. Having first joined the Davis Cup team over 10 years ago, he has witnessed Monaco’s progression from fighting to remain in the lower divisions to now earning the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s leading tennis nations.

“Being back with the team for me was a very strange feeling, between nostalgia of my life as a tennis player that I could feel again for a week and the excitement of being able to live that again,” Catarina told Monaco Life. “I thought I would never feel that again. Just to be there with my friends and feel the emotions was amazing, playing the match even more.”

Catarina also credited the team’s rise to the development of its players and the strong friendships built across generations of Monaco’s Davis Cup team, including former players Benjamin Balleret and Thomas Oger, as well as current captain Guillaume Couillard.

“We managed through the years to build strong friendships between all of us and it’s always a big week of joy to be all together,” he said. “Everybody wants to win for the friends.”

The historic qualification adds another chapter to what has already been a remarkable period for Monegasque tennis. It comes less than a year after Vacherot surprised the tennis world with his victory at the Shanghai Masters. He will now return to China for the Asian portion of his season carrying another milestone with him, this time one achieved alongside his team.

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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali