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EventsMonaco is a country known for all its spectacular and exciting events every year. These events thrive on an amazing amount of glitz and glamour.
This event was to take place in January, as a way of showing that the climate of the Principality at this time of year was exceptionally mild. Today, 2 men are considered to be the founders of this rally: Gabriel Vialon and Antony Noghes. La Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) financed the event, which attracted only 23 participants in its first year. The following year, this figure had quadrupled: The Monte Carlo Rally was launched! Nowadays it is the oldest race of its kind and is still held every year in January. International Circus Festival (January)
Each year hundreds of acts request to be a part of this week-long ceremony, during which the 2 best performances are crowned with the Gold and Silver Clown awards. Held every year in mid-January, the event shows spectacular animal acts, comedic performances, and masterfully choreographed acrobatic acts. Each act is judged on its technical difficulty and creativity by a panel composed of circus professionals from around the world. St. Dévote Festival (January 27) At the beginning of the 4th century on the Island of Corsica, then a Roman province, there was a cruel governor who persecuted Christians. It was under these circumstances that Dévote, who had vowed her life to the service of God, was arrested, imprisoned and tortured. She died without denying her faith and her martyred corpse was placed by pious hands in a boat leaving for Africa where she would find, they believed, Christian burial. But in the very early hours of the crossing, a storm arose. And from the mouth of Saint Dévote a dove made its appearance. The storm then abated. The dove guided the boat right up to the coast of Monaco where it ran aground at the entrance to the little valley of the Gaumates. The body of Dévote was piously received by the small Christian community which lived in the neighborhood. It is on this day, January 27 of the year 312 of our era, Saint Dévote took under her protection Monaco and its inhabitants. A rustic oratory marked the place of her tomb. The faithful, residents and sailors passing through Monaco , went there in greater and greater numbers to venerate the relics of the Saint and the first miracles took place. It was then that an evil idea took possession of the mind of an unscrupulous man who, in the dead of night, stole the relics of the Saint with the intention of taking them beyond the seas and selling their powers. The intended sacrilege was cut short as Providence was watching. A group of fishermen witnessed the robbery and with a few strokes of their oars, made much more powerful by their anger, overtook the thief and his precious plunder. Brought back on to the beach, the thief's boat was burnt as an expiatory sacrifice. During the sieges which Monaco underwent in the 16th century, the Italian Wars and the Wars of Religion, the relics of the Saint were exposed on the ramparts, inspiring the defenders and spreading terror among the besiegers.That heroic age has now passed away. However, the cult of St. Dévote still remains strong in the Principality. Positive proof of this can be seen by attending the ceremonies and events which take place, as soon as night falls, around and inside the Church dedicated to St. Dévote which was constructed in the reign of Prince Charles III on the site of the original oratory. Every year on this date, there is a torchlight
procession, a religious ceremony and blessing followed by the
setting on fire of a boat on a pyre decorated with olive, pine
and laurel branches; a picturesque symbolic copy of the boat
which the Monégasques burnt in the past to efface all trace
of an unpardonable crime! Monte Carlo Opera (January-March) Since 1892 the Monte Carlo Opera has occupied the Salle Garnier hall, named after the architect who also designed the Paris Opera House. It is a magnificent hall with a wonderful past. The opera season runs from January through March. Tickets go on sale in November. The Rose Ball is considered the most important event in Monaco's social calendar. Year after year the cream of Monegasque society is joined by showbiz stars and aristocrats from all over the world, as the royal family plays host to a major charity event in the heart of Monte Carlo. Proceeds from the bash go to the Princess Grace Foundation, which helps disadvantaged children. Famous performers delight the audience and the public is welcome to join this prestigious event. This extremely prestigious evening is, each year, themed around a different country and a different rose. Monte Carlo Spring Arts Festival (April) One of the year's most exciting cultural events, Monaco's Spring Arts Festival, brings talented artists from around the world to entertain guests with art, music, theater and dance at different places throughout Monaco. Also shown are performances by the famous Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra and Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. The Monte Carlo Open, which takes place in the legendary setting of the Monte Carlo Country Club in April, has not only become a big happening in the professional circuit, but now is one of the 9 major tennis tournaments in the world. The Monte Carlo Historic Grand Prix is a retrospective of the golden age of car racing that takes place every other year in May on the famous track of Monaco using the roads of the Principality that have not changed since the first race on April 14, 1929. The only difference with the Formula 1 race is that this race is 10 laps in stead of 78. Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix (May)
The spectators at the Monaco Grand Prix love the fact how close they can be to the racing Formula 1 cars racing around each corner. The amazing 78-lap circuit allows spectators to watch from roof-tops to sailboats. The race is 263 km long and because of its tight winding turns, there is no room for error. The very first Monaco Grand Prix was held in 1929. On the eve of St. John's day, the Monégasques assemble on the Palace Square. There are folk groups, surrounding the Palladienne, Monaco's own folk group, a dynamic gathering of young people, wearing the costumes of the past, singing, dancing and playing the mandolin charmingly. Groups come from France, Italy and Spain to take part in the Monégasques' St. John festival. In the Palace chapel, dedicated to St. John the Baptist himself, the Prince's Family attend a service which is also attended by several privileged people such as the Presidents of the Tradition Associations, together with their flags. At the end of this ceremony, 2 footmen of the Sovereign's Household, each dressed in fine livery and carrying a burning torch, set alight a bonfire set up in the center of the Square. The people in the crowd applaud with all their hearts. Airs of bygone times accompany farandoles around the flames over which the boldest leap with a single bound. On June 24, St. John's Day, the Feast moves from Monaco-Ville to Monte Carlo. A procession forms up on the Place des Moulins where the old olive presses used to operate. The folk groups form a guard of honor around "Little St. John" and his lamb. The procession, accompanied by music of its own making reaches the Church of St. Charles in the parish of Monte Carlo. After a religious service, the procession returns to the Place des Moulins. A bonfire is set up, the Monégasque national anthem is played and then, the popular and religious feast combined, the great ball of St. John commences in the open air and continues until late at night. The scenic bay of Monaco plays host to a fleet of boats. The Monaco Yacht Club organizes the Fête de la Mer, bringing sailing and fishing boats to a bay more used to luxury yachts. Dedicated to nautical leisure passionates, the Fête de la Mer offers each year a whole range of activities: sailing, motor-yachting, friendly regattas in Optimists, Lasers or Monohulls... Young, adults, professionals or amateurs participate in this event, which celebrates St. Peter, the Saint Patron of Sailors. Monte Carlo Television Festival (July) Created in 1961 by H.S.H. Prince Rainier III, the Monte Carlo Television Festival in July celebrates the creative art of television with a week of premiere screenings, workshops, panels and a awards evening with the presence of many big stars. Monte Carlo International Fireworks Festival (July-August) This free event attracts thousands from the area to view some of the most beautiful and original fireworks around. The competition has been held since 1966 in July/August and brings fireworks specialists from around the world to show off their talent. Fireworks begin around 9:30 PM, or when it is dark. The competition continues through the month of August and the winner returns November 18 to create the fireworks display on the evening before the National Holiday. International stars at Le Sporting Club (July-August) At night concerts from international recording artists and first-rate shows are held at the exclusive Monte Carlo Sporting Club all summer long. Past visitors have included George Benson with Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, The Beach Boys, Diana Krall, Lionel Richie and Julio Iglesias among others. Monte Carlo Red Cross Gala Ball (August) This is an annual fund-raiser held under the leadership of H.S.H. Prince Albert at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club in the Salle des Etoiles the first weekend of August. Many celebrities attend this ball to raise money for a good cause. The ball is known for its elegantly prepared meals, top entertainers and a display of ball gowns that will dazzle you. Each September, Monaco's magnificent Port Hercule plays host to the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show. More than 90 of the world's most beautiful yachts are on display to the delight of professionals and boat-lovers alike. The yachts on display go from 20 m to 120 m length, and amongst them, to show usually presents about 30 new world-premiere launches. These vessels and others are available for hire and/or purchase. The Port Hercule welcomes nearly 500 exhibiting companies representing all sectors of the luxury yacht and super yacht including shipbuilding yards, fitters, service companies, and maritime brokers. The event also features representatives from leading luxury car, champagne and private jet companies that cater to the needs of the ultimate luxury yacht owner. International Marathon (November) Each November, hundreds of runners come together in Monaco for the Monaco Marathon , the only marathon in the world that has participants traverse 3 different countries in a single race; France, Italy and Monaco. Monegasque National Holiday (November 19)
The National Holiday starts with spectacular fireworks over the harbor the evening before and a mass in the Cathedral the next morning. A perfect chance to see the glitz and glamour of the Principality, visitors can see the Knights of Malta , distinguished ambassadors, consuls and state officials in medal-laden uniforms as they come together in the Place St. Nicholas after the mass. Then it is off to the Prince's Palace where visitors can see the Grimaldi family wave to the crowd from the windows of the palace. Christmas and New Year (December) Monaco offers special performances and gala dinners throughout the Principality on Christmas Eve and on New Year's Eve. The country is lively with outdoor celebrations, parades, concerts and activities for children. Monaco's hotels and restaurants offer special packages. On New Year's Eve at the stroke of midnight, people come together in the magnificent Casino Square to ring in the New Year. |
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It all began in 1911, at the height of the rivalry between 2 famous seaside towns: Nice and Monte Carlo. The former organized its carnival, which attracted a rich clientele to its casinos and so Monaco decided to organize an automobile rally on the same lines as the celebrated Italian Cycle Rally, with departure points in different European towns, coming together in Monaco.
The circus is known for its amazing ability to put a smile on your face, young and old alike. As a young child, H.S.H. Prince Rainier of Monaco loved the circus. It is for this reason that in 1974, he created the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival to present the world's greatest performers.
The last remaining street course Grand Prix is
at Monte Carlo in Monaco. It is one of the world's greatest and
most exciting Grand Prix events in the Formula 1 races. The Grand
Prix in Monte Carlo takes place during the last weekend in May on
narrow and winding streets of the picturesque city, right on the
water.
Faithful to a tradition which goes back to
1857, the Monégasque National Holiday is now celebrated on
November 19, Saint Rainier's day. Previously, the Festival of
Saint Dévote was observed as the National Holiday.