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“Shop local this Christmas” encourages new Monaco campaign

by: Jessica Tatam
15/12/2022

Retail trade figures look strong for 2022 and Monaco’s government is keen for the upswing to last into the festive period. Its latest campaign calls on the public to “shop local” and celebrate the boutiques and eateries of their neighbourhood. 

Like in many places around the world, the last few years have been particularly challenging for small businesses here in Monaco. For those who have managed to hold on through the Covid pandemic, the latest financial statistics for the Principality bring some positive news.  

The release of the quarterly economic bulletin by IMSEE, Monaco’s statistical institution, reports a “good economic situation” and the “consensus that almost all aggregates are growing strongly”. Retail trade is up 10.6% on last year and Monegasque residents are being encouraged to continue their support of local businesses into the Christmas period with the “Celebrate Your Neighbourhood” initiative throughout the second-half of December.  

This year, the event will take place across four main areas; the pedestrian streets of the Condamine, the historic alleys of Monaco-Ville, on the new Larvotto esplanade, and the unmissable Boulevard des Moulins.  

Officially launching on Wednesday 14th and continuing until Friday 30th December, there will be something to be enjoyed by all the family, and if you’re lucky, you might also see Santa Claus! He and his magical fairytale friends and musicians will be there to guide you through the streets of the shopping districts from 2.30pm to 6.00pm each day. Santa’s sleigh will alternate between each of the four neighbourhoods, so if you’d like to make sure to see the special display, see below for the dates and timetable:  

Boulevard des Moulins: 14th, 16th and 23rd December 

La Condamine: 15th, 22nd and 27th December 

Monaco-Ville: 17th 28th and 30th December 

Larvotto: 21st, 26th and 29th December 

  

 

Photo by Monaco Life

Roca Team streak broken by Barcelona

by: Luke Entwistle
15/12/2022

Barcelona successfully contained Mike James and the Roca Team (63-69) on Wednesday night to end the Principality team’s run and overtake them in the Euroleague standings.

Despite the defeat, AS Monaco Basketball remain within the play-off places and still just one win off top spot, currently occupied by Fenerbahçe, who have 10 wins in 13 matches this season.

Whilst this is a Monaco team with more depth and talent this season, James (16 points) is still the main man, and if he can be muzzled, the whole team can potentially be contained. That was seemingly part of Barcelona’s game plan, and it was executed to perfection.

Defences reigned for large periods, with the Roca Team failing to find any attacking flow. Sasa Obradovic’s men were outscored in the first two quarters, meaning they headed into the dressing rooms with a not-insurmountable five-point deficit. But Barcelona, who came into the fixture off the back of a victory against Asvel, hit the accelerator on the return from the lockers, and Monaco couldn’t keep up.

Going into the final 10 minutes, Monaco had a 15-point gap to close, and they began well with Donta Hall scoring four consecutive points. Ultimately, however, it wasn’t enough, and despite eating into their lead considerably, Barcelona prevailed by a healthy six-point margin (63-69).

“We came up against a very aggressive defence and that put us in difficulty. They pressed our forward line hard and we couldn’t find the solutions. We had to share the ball more, but we lacked many little things,” said Obradovic post-match.

Monaco’s side has the chance to quickly bounce back, with Alba Berlin visiting the Salle Gaston Médecin on Friday night.

 

Photo by AS Monaco Basket

 

What’s on in Monaco this December?

by: Elsa Carpenter
13/12/2022

Monaco Life rounds up the December highlights of the Principality’s event calendar. 

Family Pick – The Drama Group of Monaco, the only English-speaking amateur theatre company in the Principality, is putting on a Christmas pantomime of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and after selling out of all tickets on 15th December, the troupe has decided to add another date to the calendar: 16th December. Families can expect great laughs and sing-along moments, but it’s crucial to book in advance for this super popular performance! Please visit www.dramagroup.com for more information.  

Sports Pick – The Golden Foot Awards are taking place on 21st December at the Grimaldi Forum, just days after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Stars such as current Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema, Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale, Harry Kane, and Neymar are all in line to pick up the prize and make quite a literal mark in footballing history, with the winner having their foot printed onto the Promenade des Champions. A former legend of the game, Juan Sebastien Veron, as well as current Turkey manager Fatih Térim will also be present at the ceremony. For more information, visit the website by clicking here. 

Theatre Pick – Two theatre picks for this month! The Audiovidual Institute of Monaco is presenting a true cinematic classic, Robert Wise’s West Side Story, at the Grimaldi Forum on 18th December then the magnificent retelling of Faust will awe the audience between 27th and 31st December as the dancers of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, guided by the ever-talented Jean-Christophe Maillot, bring to life this emotional tale. For more information on both events, please click here.

Classical Pick – The ethereal voices of the Monaco Boys Choir will be complemented by the talented musicians of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra on 28th December as Peter Szüts and Pierre Debat direct a classical concert at the Monaco Cathedral. The evening promises to deliver nine stunning performances of classical scores composed by masters such as Mozart, Handel, and Bach and performed by some of the most talented artists in the Principality. Entry is free and the full list of artists can be found here. 

Party Pick – Bring in the New Year at the Grimaldi Forum’s showstopping Cloud9 event from 10.30pm to 6am on 31st December. Deep house DJ &ME will electrify the stage and food stalls will contribute to this festival-like occasion. Click here for more information. 

And we can’t forget the beautiful Christmas in Spitsbergen village down on Port Hercule or the dazzling Société des Bains de Mer display in Place du Casino that will be buzzing with activity right through the festive season.

There’s simply no place like Monaco at Christmas!

   

 

Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

Belle of the Ball: Princess Charlene dazzles at Bal de Noël

by: Jessica Tatam
12/12/2022

Princess Charlene was guest of honour at Monaco’s annual Bal de Noël on Friday, the glitzy ‘Italia Chic’- themed party raising €120,000 for the Princess Charlene Foundation.  

One of the highlights of Monaco’s Christmas season is the annual Christmas Ball or the Bal de Noël. As always, this year’s event – the 17th in its history – boasted an impressive and star-studded guest list that suited the setting of the Belle Epoque Hall in the iconic Hôtel Hermitage. 

As part of this year’s ‘Italia Chic’ theme, the 216 invited guests were encouraged to bring La Dolce Vita to the party and to “relaunch the festivities and forget the two previous years marked by the pandemic”.  

Founded by Sandrine Knoell-Garbagnati, the formal dinner and show concept featured Italian singers Davide Carbone and Sophia GK, and was followed by a highly-anticipated auction to raise funds for the Princess Charlene Foundation.  

Despite the glamour and fun had by all, the auction is the most important part of the evening. The Sotheby’s-run event offered a variety of generously donated items for sale and the final amount raised at the 2022 edition was €120,000. Over the history of the annual ball, over €700,000 have been collected in support of charities and associations. 

 

Photo above: Sandrine Knoell, Princess Charlene of Monaco et H.E.M Alaimo Giulio Ambassador of Italy. All photo credits: Eric Mathon/ Palais Princier de Monaco

A Classic Christmas: free choral concerts in Monaco

by: Jessica Tatam
12/12/2022

For a more traditional Christmas experience, why not attend one of Monaco’s classical concerts? Monaco Life presents free choral events taking place in the Principality this December.

The magic of Christmas is taking over Monaco and the countdown is on for the Big Day. In the lead-up, take a journey across three different locations and celebrate the birth of Christ at four different classical performances, where beautiful choral voices pair with tradition.

This Wednesday 14th December, join the students of the Rainier III Academy at their free Christmas concert held at the Rainier III Auditorium from 8 pm. The concert is free to attend, however guests must register their attendance online via the Monaco Town Hall. To register and for more information, visit the website located here.

For the next performance, we move to the impressive stage set at the Monaco Cathedral. Since 2011, the Department of Cultural Affairs has been organising annual Baroque performances in collaboration with the Diocese of Monaco. Directed by Jean-Sébastien Beauvais and with the promise to take the audience on a “musical journey close to the wonders of Christmas where the figure of the Virgin Mary and the woman intersect”, the Surge Propera! concert by the La Chambre ensemble this Friday 16th December at 8pm will include key musical works by some of the great masters of the Renaissance including Roland de Lassus, Thomas Tallis, William Byrd and Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestine. No prior registration is necessary.

Also taking place at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée de Monaco, but this time on Sunday 28th December at 6pm, our third performance sees the ethereal voices of the Monaco Boys Choir complemented by the talented musicians of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. Directed by Peter Szüts and Pierre Debat, the concert promises to deliver nine stunning performances of classical scores composed by masters such as Mozart, Handel, and Bach and performed by some of the most talented artists in Monaco. The Monaco Boys Choir will also be performing at the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at the Cathedral. Further details can be found here.

 

 

Photo source: Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco/Facebook

Golden Foot: Will it be Messi’s turn to win the prestigious award?

by: Luke Entwistle
12/12/2022

While the eyes of the footballing world are still firmly fixed on the World Cup in Qatar, Monaco is getting ready to host the Golden Foot, with Lionel Messi among the nominees to succeed Mohamed Salah.

The World Cup only concludes 18th December, but just three days later, the stars of the sport will descend on the Principality, with one of those stars making a literal mark in history by having their foot printed on the Promenade des Champions in Monaco.

The 20th edition of the award, to be held in the Grimaldi Forum on 21st December, was moved to later in the year due to the ongoing tournament in Qatar. Initially an event that was held in early November, it was moved to late November in 2021 (the winners are pictured above) in order to coincide with the awarding of the Ballon d’Or in Paris. Now to late December in 2022.

Legends of the game such as Juan Sebastien Veron will be present at the event as will Turkey manager Fatih Térim, with the work of both individuals set to be recognised. The largest question remains: who will succeed Salah as the winner of the prestigious Golden Foot award?

As always, there is a star-studded list of nominees. Miraculously, Messi has never won the award. Voting for the winner has now closed and therefore the outcome of his World Cup campaign with Argentina won’t be a factor in deciding whether he finally gets his hand – or foot – on the award.

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is also considered to be a favourite. The Frenchman won the 2022 Ballon d’Or after a string of incredible performances that guided his team to the Champions League title.

Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, Robert Lewandowski, Sadio Mané and many others are also nominated for the award.

 

 

Photo source: Golden Foot