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