Monaco’s cherished Saint-Jean festivities officially began on Monday evening, with Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella witnessing the ceremony from the palace’s balcony.
The century-old celebration took place at Place du Palais. The square, filled with locals and tourists alike at 9p.m., buzzed with anticipation for the dramatic ‘batafoegu’ – the traditional lighting of the bonfire that marks the beginning of the two-day Saint-Jean’s festivities and Monaco’s tribute to the summer solstice.
The ceremony began with a solemn blessing by a priest, who invoked the ancient symbolism of light conquering darkness. As the fire ignited, the crowd observed in collective awe, the flames reaching higher by the second.
Princely family during Saint Jean’s festivities, photo by Monaco Life
Following the lighting of the bonfire, La Palladienne dancers took to the floor, performing beloved folkloric dances in front of the Princely family, who clapped graciously and offered congratulations after each performance. Before the evening concluded, the dancers made their way to the towering bonfire, gracefully dancing around it, with spectators closely following their every move.
Municipal councillors and flag bearers were also in attendance, alongside Mayor Georges Marsan, representing La Mairie which organised the evening’s festivities. Everything appeared meticulously coordinated — from the safe positioning of spectators and the timing of the ceremony to the fire department’s presence near the bonfire, standing by as a precaution.
The second day of celebration will take part on Tuesday at Place de Moulins, where the Saint-Jean traditions will continue, beginning at 7p.m.
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Main photo by Monaco Life
Monaco launches inaugural Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie
Monaco is set to host the world’s first international high jewellery grand prix, with the inaugural Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie (GPHJ) scheduled for 25th October 2025 at the iconic Salles des Étoiles in the Sporting Monte-Carlo.
The groundbreaking event, launched by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, aims to fill a notable gap in the luxury calendar by creating the first competition dedicated exclusively to celebrating the art of haute joaillerie.
“Interestingly, up until today there is no similar event in terms of jewellery in the world,” said Stéphane Valeri, President-Delegate of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and co-founder of the competition. “The creation of the Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie therefore has the intention to fill this gap and give haute joaillerie the celebration it deserves.”
The competition’s goal is to bring together the world’s greatest luxury actors under one roof. Meanwhile, the group itself has been committed to supporting arts and culture, investing millions of euros annually in cultural initiatives and major humanitarian causes including the Red Cross and Princess Grace Foundation.
Julien Munoz, Stephane Valeri, Fabienne Reybaud and Jean-Philippe Braud during the launch of the Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie, photo by Monaco Life
An unprecedented event
Jean-Philippe Braud, co-founder and director of the event, highlighted the inclusive vision behind it and the departure from traditional industry trade shows: “Contemporary, open, audacious — capable of bringing together all the voices that make this art vibrate, including great houses, artisans, exceptional workshops, and new talents.”
He added: “What makes this event truly unprecedented is that, for the first time, we’ve opened the doors of haute joaillerie to collectors, enthusiasts, clients, and amateurs. We wanted to bring to life this encounter between creators and those who live through their works — and sometimes even their world — always with passion. There is no art without an audience, and by bringing together this community of aesthetes from around the world, we offer haute joaillerie a living stage — inspired, shared, and vibrant.”
The competition will feature eight categories, with pieces valued from €100,000 upwards. Organisers have confirmed that approximately fifteen jewellery houses have already committed to participating, representing both major luxury groups and independent creators who are not affiliated with larger groups. The event will also feature representatives and ambassadors from diamond-producing countries including South Africa and Canada.
Crackdown of the award ceremony
Unlike traditional award ceremonies, the GPHJ will not announce winners in each category. Instead, the jury will honour one piece in each category for particular reasons, without revealing the selection criteria to attendees or other participating houses.
The judging panel will be led by Fabienne Reybaud, a respected jewellery expert and journalist whose knowledge of the industry spans decades. “This is not just another trophy,” Reybaud stated. “It’s recognition of an art, of a tradition, of transmission. It represents a strong signal we’re giving to this profession.”
She highlighted the historical significance of jewellery, noting: “Jewellery relates to both the intimate and the universal. It’s a field that brings together completely different parameters, and it’s precisely this diversity that we want to express through this grand prix.”
The evening will combine elements of fashion show, award ceremony, and cultural celebration. All participating pieces will be presented during a special showcase, with detailed information about craftsmanship hours and technical specifications provided to highlight the exceptional work involved.
The event is invitation-only, with guests including collectors, clients of participating jewellery houses, and Monégasque residents. Individual participation will be fee-based, though specific pricing details are yet to be confirmed.
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Main photo by Monaco Life
Diamonds and sea breeze: inside Monaco’s most exclusive jewellery exhibition
The sixth edition of the Luxury Monte-Carlo high jewellery exhibition opened to VIP guests at Le Méridien Beach Plaza, proving once more that diamonds are indeed a girl’s best friend.
On Thursday afternoon, the doors of the Sea Club opened, radiating light not from the Mediterranean skies, but from the exquisite jewellery displayed in elegant cases. Special guests were able to walk through the two-floor exhibition, engage with more than 50 international exhibitors showcasing their collections, learn their stories, and even try on the haute couture-quality jewels.
The event began with an unforgettable display of opulence, as guests tried on diamond necklaces, rings, and bracelets worth millions. The opening day continued with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and culminated in a charity dinner gala. Friday’s programme featured an awards ceremony with live performances, while Saturday came to a close with an exclusive fashion show and DJ set.
jewellery displayed during the Luxury Monte-Carlo, photo by Monaco Life
Celebrity-adored jewellery
One of the exhibition’s standouts was London-based designer Nadine Aysoy, presenting her collection featuring collapsible rings and necklaces with geometric diamond cuts. Her floating diamond illusion earrings drew particular attention, with Aysoy noting their recent celebrity appearance: “Actually, these earrings—the floating diamond illusion earrings—were worn by Scarlett Johansson just recently at one of the premieres of Jurassic Park.”
Aysoy’s work represented the type of contemporary design featured alongside more traditional haute joaillerie pieces throughout the exhibition.
Beyond the commercial aspect, the exhibition highlighted education about jewellery craftsmanship and design. Exhibitors were encouraged to share the stories behind their pieces, from sourcing to final creation.
The entertainment programme, organised by The Unique Show, aims to create an experience that extends beyond traditional trade show formats.
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Main photo by Monaco Life
Monaco’s Saint-Jean festivities set to return this June
Monaco is gearing up for one of its most beloved annual traditions as the La Mairie and Saint-Jean Club prepare to light up the summer nights with their Saint-Jean festivities on June 23rd and 24th.
This year’s celebration promises the perfect blend of Monaco customs and international flavour, with special guests appearance from Nice’s ‘Azur Irish Dance Academy’ adding Celtic charm.
The celebration splits across two evenings, each offering its own unique atmosphere.
On June 23rd at Place du Palais, the evening will begin with a ceremony in the Palatine Chapel. However, the real spectacle starts around 9pm when the public will gather for the dramatic ‘batafoegu’– the lightning of the traditional bonfire that has illuminated Monaco’s summer solstice for generations.
The flames will dance alongside performances by La Palladienne, Monaco’s treasured folkloric dance troupe.
Tuesday’s grand celebration
Following, the main event will unfold on June 24th at Place des Moulins, where the community will come together for an evening that captures the true spirit of Monaco’s Saint-Jean tradition.
At 7pm, the traditional ceremony will begin with Municipal Councillors, flag bearers, the Committees of Traditions, Municipal Music, and La Palladienne dancers leading the way. This year’s special addition will feature Irish dancers from Nice, bringing a delightful cultural exchange to the celebrations. The cherished figure of ‘petit Saint Jean’ will once again take centre stage, accompanied by his faithful sheep companion.
The ceremony will then make its way through the streets to Saint-Charles Church, where a religious celebration is scheduled to begin at 7:30pm. Meanwhile, renowned ‘U Cantin d’A Roca’ will perform traditional songs that echo through the historic venue.
The festival’s highlight will return to Place des Moulins at 8pm for the blessing and lighting of the ceremonial bonfire. In a display of national price, Monaco’s national anthem will resonate across the square, performed by the Municipal Music ensemble and U Cantin d’A Roca singers.
The evening will conclude with the community gathering around the flames for an authentic celebration featuring live music and traditional folk dances.
The Saint-Jean festivities date back centuries, celebrating the summer solstice with bonfires that symbolise light conquering darkness. Monaco’s version keeps these ancient traditions alive while adding its own distinctive character.
Practical information
Anyone planning to join the festivities on Tuesday should be aware that Boulevard des Moulins and Avenue Saint-Laurent will be closed during the event. Access to Place des Moulins will get restricted from 6:30pm and alternative parkings should be found from 1pm onwards
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In a side event during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the Principality signed a new five-year funding agreement word €1.5 million for MedFund in the presence of Prince Albert II, celebrating 10 years of Mediterranean conservation efforts.
The renewed commitment underscores Monaco’s dedication to the MedFund, an environmental trust fund for marine protected areas across the Mediterranean, establishment in 2015.
Born from a joint initiative between Monaco, France, Tunisia and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, MedFund now supports 20 marine protected areas spanning 10 countries, covering more than 9,500 square kilometres of marine and coastal zones.
Particularly striking is the fund’s contribution to high-protection areas, with 800 square kilometres of strictly protected waters representing more than half of all such zones in the Mediterranean. This achievement comes through €6.3 million already committed by approximately 15 donors.
“In 2024, we reached a key milestone: 20 marine protected areas supported across nine countries,” said Romain Renoux, MedFund’s executive director. “The objective set in our 2020-2025 strategy has been achieved. Today, driven by this collective momentum, we are resolutely setting course for 2030.”
The Mediterranean remains one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, yet it faces unprecedented threats from climate change and human activity. MedFund addresses a fundamental challenge: the chronic underfunding of marine protected areas, particularly along the southern and eastern Mediterranean shores where financing is often irregular or insufficient.
The fund operates on three core principles that have proven essential for success: cross-border cooperation, co-management between authorities and civil society, and science-based decision-making. This approach has facilitated 15 co-management agreements bringing together national authorities and local NGOs, while benefiting more than 68,000 people through socio-economic opportunities linked to marine conservation.
Each supported marine protected area receives between €50,000 and €75,000 annually, with funding levels tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of each site. The model has mobilised €16 million to date.
Looking ahead, MedFund has set its sights on an ambitious expansion aligned with international ocean protection targets. The organisation aims to capitalise €35 million by 2030, supporting 40 marine protected areas across 10 countries in the southern and eastern Mediterranean.
The renewed €1.5 million commitment from Monaco, split between the Government and the Prince Albert II Foundation, provides crucial momentum for this expansion.
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The world’s brightest minds in technology, tourism, and sustainability gathered at Le Méridien Beach Plaza on 6th June for the Virtual Economy and Sustainable Tourism Forum. The landmark event hosted by DWorld’s CEO Manila Di Giovani is set to revolutionise the travel experience through immersive technologies.
The forum brought together visionary leaders from public institutions and pioneering companies to explore how artificial intelligence, blockchain, and virtual twins can transform tourism. The focus turned towards how these innovations can create a more sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly future for the travel industry.
An impressive line-up of international speakers attended the event, including Maria Betti, Director at DG JRC European Commission and Director for Pélagos international agreement, Maria Elena Rossi, Director of Foreign Offices and International Development of the Triumph Group and former Global Marketing Director of the Italian Tourist Board, and Wayne Grixti, Chairman of Malta Digital & Innovation Authority and CEO of Tech MT amongst others.
Jersey pioneers digital tourism revolution
Marcus Calvani, CEO of Jersey Hospitality Association, revealed how the Channel Island is developing what he describes as a “digital twinned metaverse version” of Jersey that allows potential visitors to customise their experience before arrival. Speaking to Monaco Life, Calvani explained how the technology transforms the island into a personalised virtual experience.
“We’ve been looking at how we can take some of the layers of our offering as an island—our history and heritage, our food and beverage, our great outdoors and wellness—and enable a digital twinned metaverse version of Jersey to layer the experience for a potential visitor,” Calvani said. “They can turn that into a personalised pleasure park or theme park of their own desire.”
The concept allows food enthusiasts to virtually explore Jersey’s culinary landscape with the press of a button, transforming the entire island into “a wonderful world of food”. History enthusiasts can delve into the island’s rich past, including its Second World War occupation, or engage with historical figures like King Charles inside a digitally recreated Mont Orgueil Castle.
“It offers the ability to curate and design their own experience for the island and choose what they want to visit,” Calvani noted. “Then, when they do physically come to the island, maybe afterwards, they’ve already created their whole experience before they get there.”
Tackling tourism’s carbon footprint
The forum addressed critical sustainability challenges facing the tourism industry, focusing on how digital innovations can dramatically reduce tourism’s carbon footprint. Virtual twins and immersive technologies offer multiple pathways to environmental responsibility by allowing destinations to manage visitor flows more effectively and provide pre-visit experiences that can reduce over-tourism pressures.
The discussions centred on practical applications of blockchain for transparent and sustainable travel practices, AI for personalised experiences, and virtual twins for destination management. These technologies represent a shift toward tourism experiences that begin long before departure and continue after return, all while potentially reducing the environmental impact of traditional tourism models
The event served as a strategic platform for government leaders, public institutions, investors, and tech innovators to forge concrete strategies for tomorrow’s virtual economies.
Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Main photo featuring Marcus Calvani, by Monaco Life
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