Monte-Carlo Circus Festival makes grand return to the stage

23/12/2022

The world’s biggest circus festival – the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo – will celebrate its 45th anniversary with a breath-taking display at the iconic Big Top in Fontvieille.

After a forced pause of two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the circus festival is returning from 20th to 29th January 2023 for a joyous and excitement-filled celebration.

Some of the unmissable artists set to participate in the anniversary celebrations include Peter Marvey, a world-famous magician who will amaze the audience with mind-blowing illusions, and an American artist on the tallest unicycle in the world… It’s 8.8 metres high! The festival is also welcoming back the Cassellys, the award-winning German family who proudly present a sensational three-person horseback routine, as well as acclaimed juggler Kris Kremo, who this year returns with his son for a unique and synchronised juggling performance.

The 10-day affair will also combine with the 10th edition of the New Generation Festival, which champions young and emerging talents from the circus world.

The Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo was born in 1974 thanks to Prince Rainier III, a passionate lover of circus art. In a bid to support the traditions of the circus and its families, he created the now-famous festival. This love for the circus was also shared by his daughter, Princess Stéphanie, who in 2005 was named President of the world’s largest circus festival. Passing the passion on through the generations, Stéphanie and her daughter Pauline Ducruet then created New Generation in 2012.

Ticket prices start at €20 euros, with a discount for children under 12 years, and are available to purchase now. You can reserve your place in person, by phone, or online.

For more information, please click here.

Photo credit: F. Nebinger/Facebook. This article was originally published on 23/12/22.

Monaco town hall shares the spirit of Christmas

by: Jessica Tatam

23/12/2022

Children from across the Principality rejoiced last week as the Monaco mairie held its three-day Arbres de Noël gift-giving event with one very special visitor…

Organised by the Mairie de Monaco and taking place each December, the event themes each of the three evenings around a beautifully decorated tree. Created specifically for the children of the Principality, it has evolved into a much-loved Christmas festivity, and this year’s event from Wednesday 14th to Friday 16th December was particularly special, as it marked the end of a two-year hiatus following the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Welcomed by an impressive crowd of nearly 800 delighted children in total, Santa Claus made his much-awaited entrance accompanied by his elf helpers and a mountain of gifts with which to shower the awaiting youngsters.

Following the same process as in previous years, the first day saw the youngest children welcomed by Santa to the Nativity Scene Christmas Tree, followed by the Town Christmas Tree for older children on the second day. Finally, the children of mairie staff enjoyed the closing event.

The festivities were lovingly and carefully prepared by the Seniors and Social Action Service and the Early Childhood and Family Service of the town hall, with no detail left forgotten.

The result, as always, was a warm and joyful atmosphere with colourful Christmas decorations and an alley of fir trees as well as the familiar entertainment that families have come to expect and love.

Every child left with their hands filled with a gift, their bellies filled with popcorn and pancakes, and their hearts filled with the joyful Christmas spirit.

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco/Ed Wright

Photos: Christmas Parade of the Fiat 500 Brigade

by: Elsa Carpenter

22/12/2022

Over the weekend, dozens of Fiat 500s drove through the streets of the Principality, delighting fans of this legendary little car.

On Saturday 17th December, the Club Fiat 500 Monte-Carlo organised its annual Christmas Parade. Accompanied by Santa Claus and decorated in festive finery – from garlands and ribbons to lights and stuffed toys – the fleet of iconic vehicles toured the streets of Monaco, waving at spectators and passers-by.

The procession came to a stop in the Place du Casino for photographs and Sant Claus handed out treats from the Chocolaterie de Monaco, who had prepared a special selection for the event.

“I can only thank all the members of the Fiat 500 Monte-Carlo Club,” said Massimo Peleson, President of the Club, with a smile. “Our members were exceptional. A big congratulations to them for their superb achievement and a big thank you to all the members of the Club.”

Photo source: Club Fiat 500 Monte-Carlo

“Honour, loyalty and dedication”: Les Carabiniers du Prince

by: Elsa Carpenter

22/12/2022

Discover the rich history of Monaco’s Carabiniers, an elite and prestigious unit with a “very specific mission to serve the Princely family”, through a photographic exhibition at the Monte-Carlo station.

Open to the public until 16th February 2023 and found platform-level at the Monte-Carlo train station, the Les Carabiniers du Prince exhibition displays a dozen photographs taken between 1890 and 2022 in chronological order.

It offers a unique insight into this historic military unit; one with a close and intimate link to that of the Principality and its leading family.

The force’s motto, since its founding in 1817, has been “Honour, loyalty and dedication”, and in the words of Commander Martial Pied, the head of Monaco’s Palace Guards, the carabiniers hold a role enshrined in “commitment, sharing and community life, selflessness and zeal”.

“With a company of 124 men, the Palace Guards operate as an independent unit,” he says. “The rich diversity of our men and their numerous special skills mean that the Palace Guards are highly responsive and adaptable, carrying out many daily tasks, from protocol assignments to the protection of property and the [Princely] family.”

For further backstory on the guards and how Les Carabiniers du Prince came to hold their position, please visit the official website by clicking here.

Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

Pictures: Christmas Garden in the Hôtel de Paris

by: Cassandra Tanti

19/12/2022

With thousands of sparkling lights, an enchanted forest and a miniature world of chocolate delights, Monaco’s most prestigious hotel invites guests into its Christmas Garden at the heart of Monte-Carlo.

Wander into the courtyard of the famed Hôtel de Paris to discover a forest of green fir trees filled with cheeky elves of all personalities – the dreamer, the mischievous and the prankster.

Indulge in a delicious hot chocolate created by the Alain Ducasse chocolate factory or a glass of champagne before buying some beautiful handmade Christmas decorations or gifts in the glasshouse.

Then dive into the world of sweet delights at the next glasshouse boutique, where Monegasque chefs have prepared beautiful gingerbread houses, cinnamon stars, chocolate trees and festive sweets, unique creations to be enjoyed on the spot or to take away.

The collection has been created by Chef Philippe Joannes, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, with his teams at Monte-Carlo Catering; incredible desserts and chocolates made by chefs Ken Thomas and Cédric Campanella, and pastries made by chef Thomas Subrin, Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

Order on site or by phone at least three days in advance. To see the catalogue, click here.

Click on the gallery below, all photos by Monaco Life…

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The art of Christmas Nativity in Monaco

by: Jessica Tatam

16/12/2022

A grand tradition in the Principality, the Chemin des Crèches de Monaco displays nativity scenes from around the world on the ramparts leading up to the Rocher.

It is one of the most-loved events of the Monaco Christmas season and was opened to the public earlier this month with a blessing by the archbishop of Monaco, Dominique-Marie David.

The artistic offering, which was launched in 2014, aims to add to the joy and festivities celebrated during Christmas time, as well as providing an educational and cultural element to visitors by sharing various scenes that have been brought to the Principality from all countries and continents around the world.

One of the most special installations is the nativity scene from the Committee of Monegasque Traditions, which can be found at the Place de la Statue de la Mer. This classic and traditional exhibition was commissioned in the early 19th century, and includes 25 different subjects to discover and admire. This treasured heritage item has been painstakingly restored and is an incredible piece of history as well as a beautiful nativity scene to enjoy with family.

Conclude your journey through the genres and interpretations of the Nativity with a visit to the Grand Chalet in the Place du Palais. It is a nod to the “Explorer Prince of Monaco”, Prince Albert I, and his many maritime voyages, with decorations reminiscent of a ship’s interior. This is complemented by various smaller nativities that represent scenes from countries the Prince visited on his countless expeditions.

The display, which is entirely free to access, can be found on the Rampe Major that leads pedestrians from the Condamine to the so-called Rock. It is open every day until 8th January. For the route, please click here.

Photo source: Gaetan Luci of the Palais Princier de Monaco