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Monaco social services department to celebrate 10th anniversary with open day

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
07/01/2026

The Direction de l’Action et de l’Aide Sociales (Department of Social Action and Assistance) is marking its 10th anniversary this week with a special celebration and public open day on Thursday January 8th.

The department, led by Director Marie Thouvenin-Rapaire, handles everything from child welfare and disability services to emergency housing and financial assistance for those in need.

Health and Social Affairs Minister Christophe Robino will visit the department to meet its staff on Thursday morning at its offices located at 5 Promenade Honoré II, Hall A, 4th floor.

Later that day, the public can drop in between 11:30am and 5pm to find out more about the wide range of support available to Monaco residents.

The department operates four main divisions: Social Inclusion and Disability, Childhood and Family Services, the Princess Charlène Children’s Home, and Financial Social Assistance. Staff process applications for state benefits, work with the courts on child protection cases, and provide emergency accommodation for families in crisis.

Teams will be available throughout the open day to explain how residents can access help, whether they need disability support, are facing financial difficulties, or require urgent housing assistance

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life

Fight Aids Cup to unite football legends for sixth edition

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
07/01/2026
Cirque FC lift the Fight AIDS Cup at the Stade Louis II

Monaco’s Stade Louis II is prepping to once again host the Fight Aids Cup on Saturday January 24th, bringing together some of football’s biggest names for the annual charity match.

The event, set to kick off at 3:30pm, sees the Barbagiuans take on Cirque FC in support of Fight Aids Monaco, the association founded and chaired by Princess Stéphanie for over two decades ago. Running alongside the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, the match combines sport, fun and charitable giving.

This year’s line-up features recently retired Belgian international Eden Hazard making his debut appearance, alongside French striker Bafétimbi Gomis and regulars Robert Pirès and Ludovic Giuly. Clarence Seedorf, Christian Karembeu and Youri Djorkaeff will also take to the pitch.

Leading Cirque FC will be Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, the 2004 Ballon d’Or winner and 2003 Champions League victor with AC Milan.

“I was invited by the Princely Family to take part in this major event,” said Shevchenko. “It is a true honour to support them in their efforts to raise awareness in the fight against HIV and to help people in need. Representing the team of Princess Stéphanie is a great source of pride.”

This edition also features a strong Italian influence within Cirque FC’s squad, aimed at strengthening ties between the circus festival and Italian audiences.

A growing movement beyond Monaco

The Barbagiuans, initially composed exclusively of former Monaco players, reached a new milestone in 2025, by welcoming major international names. President Louis Ducruet, who is the captain, sees this evolution as key to the team’s mission.

“We can be proud to see, event after event, how the squad continues to grow and how the values embodied by the Barbagiuans resonate with players beyond Monaco,” said Ducruet, approaching his sixth year as president. “The upcoming Fight AIDS Cup will help strengthen our approach to integrating new members into the great Barbagiuans family.”

On the pitch, there is genuine rivalry to address, with the record standing up until now at four victories for Cirque FC and just one for the Barbagiuans across the first five editions.

“We tasted victory in 2022, and I must say it was a wonderful memory,” Ducruet said. “With so many legends on the field, high-level habits return as soon as the match kicks off, and there is a real game to be played—one everyone wants to win.”

Shevchenko, while feeling equally competitive, highlighted what truly matters: “The real victory does not lie in the final score, but in the funds raised for a worthy cause.”

A million euro milestone

Through five editions and other initiatives, the Barbagiuans have surpassed one million euros donated to Fights Aids Monaco, making them the association’s leading donor.

“The Fight Aids Cup represents far more than just a sporting event; it embodies a faithful and sincere commitment, carried by an entire community—that of the Barbagiuans,” said Christophe Glasser, director of Fight Aids Monaco. “The regular presence of football legends demonstrates their unwavering support for the cause we defend.”

Glasser also praised Ducruet’s leadership, noting that the January tradition offers “support that goes beyond the financial aspect. It is moral, symbolic and human. It strengthens our actions and reminds us how collective commitment can have a concrete and lasting impact.”

Tickets for the match cost €10 for the general public and €5 for children from 12-16 years old. Children under 12 and holders of tickets for the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, which runs concurrently, can attend for free. Ticket reservations can be made at: billetterie.asmonaco.com

The match will also be broadcast live on TV Monaco’s website and YouTube channel at 3:30pm, allowing supporters worldwide to follow the event.

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Main photo by Monaco Life

Monaco to host International Épée Tournament this weekend

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
07/01/2026

Monaco will welcome some of the world’s top fencers this weekend when the International Épée Tournament takes place from January 10th to 11th at the Espace Saint-Antoine.

The prestigious event, held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, will host nearly 200 athletes set to compete across 17 pistes in individual men’s and women’s categories, competing for one of the sport’s most valued prizes: the Prince Albert II of Monaco Cup.

More than 130 of France’s leading female fencers are expected to take part in the National Senior Women’s competition, offering a unique opportunity for European and international competitors to test themselves at the highest level.

The tournament is open to senior épée fencers as well as juniors who have been moved up to compete in the higher category. International participants must hold a valid licence from their national federation.

The finals will take place on Sunday January 11th at 4pm in the Espace Saint-Antoine’s multi-sports hall, with the awards ceremony taking place later in the afternoon.

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Photo credit: Fédération Monégasque d’Escrime

Théâtre Princess Grace explores life of playwright Jean-Luc Lagarce

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
06/01/2026

The Théâtre Princesse Grace of Monaco is set to present an intimate portrait of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated French playwrights this month.

Il ne m’est jamais rien arrivé (Nothing ever happened to me), based on the personal journals of Jean-Luc Lagarce, will take to the stage on Tuesday 20th January at 8pm. The one-hour production, performed without an interval, offers audiences a glimpse into the private life of the acclaimed dramatist.

French actor and comedian Vincent Dedienne brings Lagarce’s diaries to life under the direction of Johanny Bert. The performance draws from the writer’s intimate reflections, chronicling his experiences as a young man moving between Paris and Besançon during the 1980s.

The journals reveal a complex portrait of a theatre enthusiast navigating a solitary yet deeply emotional life during a turbulent period in French history. Lagarce’s writings document the emergence of the AIDS crisis and the deaths of French cultural icons Coluche and Simone Signoret.

The production is adapted from Le Journal de Jean-Luc Lagarce, published by les Solitaires Intempestifs.

January programme

The production is part of a diverse January season, which also includes David Lescot’s ‘Je suis trop vert‘ on January 6th and Clea Petrolesi’s ‘Personne n’est ensemble sauf moi‘ on January 13th.

Theatre enthusiasts can also attend the Philosophical Encounters of Monaco on January 15th, focusing on the theme of redemption. On January 28th at 8pm, the theatre also presents a special film screening of Claude Autant-Lara’s ‘Occupe-toi d’Amélie‘ in partnership with the Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco.

The month concludes with Léna Breban’s staging of Beaumarchais’ classic ‘Le Mariage de Figaro‘ on January 30th.

Tickets are available through the theatre’s box office on +377 93 25 32 27 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am-1pm and 2pm-5pm), by email at spectateurs@tpgmonaco.mc, or online at montecarloticket.com.

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Photo credit: Christophe Raynaud De Lage

 

Workers in Monaco and France set for bumper year of long weekends in 2026

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
05/01/2026

Workers across Monaco and France can look forward to a particularly generous year of long weekends in 2026, thanks to a favourable calendar that places public holidays alongside weekends. 

The year offers five guaranteed three day weekends without using any annual leave, plus several opportunities to create extended breaks by taking just one or two days off. The French call this practice “faire le pont” or “making the bridge”.

Monaco’s public holidays

The Principality celebrates 12 public holidays. The year already begun with New Year’s Day on January 1st and soon Saint Dévote’s Day follows on Tuesday January 27th, honouring Monaco’s patron saint.

Easter Monday falls on April 6th, followed by Labour Day on Friday May 1st. Ascension Day comes on Thursday May 14th, with Whit Monday on May 25th. Monaco also uniquely celebrates Corpus Christi on Thursday June 4th. The Assumption of Mary falls on Saturday August 15th.

All Saints’ Day arrives on Sunday 1st November, but thanks to Monaco’s rules workers gain Monday November 2nd as a holiday instead. The Prince’s Day – Fête Nationale – then falls on Thursday November 19th. Lastly, December brings the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday December 8th and Christmas Day on Friday December 25th.

Monaco bridge opportunities

Taking Friday May 2nd creates a four-day weekend from May 1st to 4th. Workers could also take Wednesday January 28th for a five-day break around Saint Dévote’s Day, or Friday June 5th for a four-day weekend following Corpus Christi. In November, taking Friday November 20th extends Fête Nationale into a four-day weekend, while taking Monday December 7th creates a four-day break around the Immaculate Conception.

France sees five automatic long weekends

French workers will benefit from public holidays falling on three Fridays and two Mondays throughout the year, automatically creating five three-day weekends.

These dates includes Easter Monday on April 6th, Labour Day on Friday May 1st, Victory in Europe Day on Friday May 8th, Ascension Day on Thursday May 14th, and Whit Monday on May 25th (though not all employers grant this). Bastille Day falls on Tuesday July 14th, and Christmas Day on Friday December 25th providing a final guaranteed long weekend.

Workers in Alsace and Moselle get two additional holidays: Good Friday on April 3rd and Saint Stephen’s Day on December 26th.

May offers 17-day break using eight days of leave

May 2026 presents an exceptional chance for workers to maximise their time off. With holidays on May 1st (Friday), May 8th (Friday), May 14th (Thursday), and May 25th (Monday), employees can take a 17-day break from May 1st to 17th, by using just eight days of annual leave covering 4th-7th May, 11th to 13th May and May 15th.

However, employers are not required to approve these requests. French companies face particular pressure in May as employees must use up any time off in lieu before the month ends, or lose it.

Another bridge opportunity for France is taking off Monday July 13rd creating a four-day weekends around Bastille Day, while Friday May 15th extends the Ascension holiday into a four-day break.

What the law says

In both jurisdictions, public holidays are paid rest days separate from annual leave. If a holiday falls during booked annual leave, it does not count towards the leave allowance.

French law does not require employers to move holidays that fall on weekends. Monaco’s legislation however offers more protection, automatically shifting certain Sunday holidays to Monday.

When employees must work on public holidays, they are entitled to either equivalent payment or a compensatory day off.

Lastly, workers are advised to submit holiday requests well in advance, particularly for popular periods like May.

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Main photo credit: Nubia Navarro, Pexels 

Grimaldi Forum unveils ‘Shrek’ the musical for 2026

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
04/01/2026

Lovers of Shrek the animation will have the chance to see the award-winning Broadway adaption when it arrives at the Grimaldi Forum next December.

The musical, based on the hit animation, brings what producers call “the greatest fairy tale never told” to the stage with its cast of beloved characters, from the grumpy green ogre himself to his wisecracking donkey sidekick and a princess with a few surprises up her sleeve.

Running from 11th to 13th December 2026, the production will take over the Salle des Princes for five performances across the weekend.

The stage version stays true to the film’s unique humour that has left its audience crying of laughter when it first aired in 2001, all while adding theatrical spectacle through elaborate sets and costumes. At approximately two hours plus interval, it provides entertainment for the whole family.

Audiences should note the production will be performed in English, though French subtitles will be provided throughout.

Tickets are priced from €47 and can be booked through the Grimaldi Forum box office on +377 99 99 30 00, which operates Tuesday to Saturday between noon and 7pm. Bookings are also available online at montecarloticket.com

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Main photo provided by the Grimaldi Forum