Monaco is undeniably an epicentre of cultural and social life on the Mediterranean. There have been several important and note-worthy events held over last few months. We offer you this list which features a kaleidoscope of interesting events that made the headlines in the media.
Ever 2018: The Riviera Electric Challenge Eco-Rally Goes International and Celebrates a Carbon-Free Future
More than 120 participants covered a distance of 160 kilometres from Cagnes-sur-Mer to the Grimaldi Forum, welcomed by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and H.E. Bernard Fautrier, President of EVER. This year is the 13th edition of the EVER, international annual expo on renewable energies and ecological vehicles, was held from April 10th to 12th 2018. The event featured a multi-stop road-map involving three countries inspired by a common target: consume as little as possible while placing emphasis on the importance of each and every potential «green» action. A highlight was the «eco-treasure-hunt» which had the advantage of inspiring the crews to answer questions, discover the wonderful terrain and taste slow food. The winners of this 4th edition of the Riviera Electric Challenge were respectively: Drivelectric (Switzerland); the Town Hall of St. Laurent-du-Var; the Trades and Crafts Chamber of Maritime Alps.
2nd Monaco Ocean Week: Cetaceans in the Spotlight Highlighting the Preservation of Marine Biodiversity
«The oceans are precious, let us protect them» is the official motto of the second edition of Monaco Ocean Week, from April 8th to 14th 2018. This inspiring motto reaffirms the strong engagement of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and its major international partners on the global protection of the oceans. Our oceans are the key source of an environmentally friendly blue economy. In this context, on the 10th of April there was the opening of an exclusive «sensorial» 23-photo exhibition. Playing «sensorially» as a photo-voice, an artistic HD photo gallery taken by marine biologists during their scientific expedition, engages the audience. This inspires the onlooker to reflect and debate about the state of health of dolphins, whales and sperm whales. These uniquely beautiful cetaceans float in the waters of a specific area of the Mediterranean Sea, measuring 87,500 square kms, between the Principality of Monaco, Italy and France.
Comic Book About Albert I The Explorer Prince Presented and Warmly Received
The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco presented «Albert I of Monaco, the Explorer Prince», a comic book published by Glénat Editions on 18 April. The comic book, from the Explora collection, devotes 54 pages to the exceptional destiny of Prince Albert I, pioneer of modern oceanography and great-great-grandfather of the current Prince of Monaco. A story of a life committed to science and adventure, the book traces a thirty-year-long epic period of exploration, from the Mediterranean to the Arctic regions, led by the «Prince of the Sea». By entrusting the publication of this comic book to Glénat Editions, with the assistance of the Archives of the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Institute pursues the mission of its founder: to unite Art and Science, to better promote, love and protect the oceans.
The Monaco Prestige IFBB Cup: Where Strength and Endurance Meet
The participants at the first Monaco Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship (Prestige IFBB Cup) are very familiar with what physical work is, and the result was immediately obvious to both the audience and the jury. The contest of «The Strongest» was held in L’Espace Léo Ferré on Saturday, April 14. It was organized by the Monegasque Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (AMBF-IFBB), and was visited by the City Mayor, Georges Marsan. For more than 5 hours the participants competed for prizes in various categories: men’s classic bodybuilding, beach bodybuilding, juniors (under 23), athletes with disabilities, women’s fitness, etc. It turned out that being in brilliant physical form was just not enough, you also needed to know how to pose correctly in front of the judges.
The first place in «Men’s Classic» was awarded to Brian Macauley. The Bodybuilding Champion title went to the unrivalled Kevin Fedolak while Anne-Sophie Poix was chosen the best in the «Women’s Bikini» category. The gold medal in «Parasport» went to the champion of France, Cédric Hopta, and a kind of hero for the Principality who lived through a very tragic experience as a teenager. Today Cédric is a successful businessman and an athlete who knows no limits. The first Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship held in the Principality has been acknowledged as a great success.
Long-Awaited Jimmy’z Opening after Renovation
On Friday April 20th, the iconic Jimmy’z, nightclub extraordinaire, its sounds reverberating through the night, had its doors open ready for a smash new season in 2018. Just emerging from the prior season’s makeover of the decade with Europe’s best nightclub sound and techno-lighting combination, Jimmy’z unveiled its brand new 2018 facelift — panoramic bar with two-level seating and ultra-spacious interior with zooming aerial dancers on trapeze hooks — a kaleidoscopic paradise with selfies being taken almost faster than the champagne glasses are emptied. And an incredible view of the dance floor and the DJ wherever you are in the club. To the left of the bar don’t miss the small pools illuminated by the club’s logos. A colourful interior, exciting shows and the world’s most famous performers — this and much more not to be missed at the new Jimmy’z.
artmonte-carlo & Monaco Art Week: International Fine Art in the Very Heart of the Principality
The Principality of Monaco, despite its small-size, is focusing on very high quality niches, identifying unique areas of competence and talent worldwide with a view to creating a free-port renowned for its spectacular art. At its third edition, the exclusive artmonte-carlo showroom for contemporary art, modern art and contemporary design, organized by Palexpo SA under the artistic direction of the talented Thomas Hug, perfectly embodied the Monegasque cultural emphasis on art — it is a new age with a welcome new orientation. The Grimaldi Forum hosted, from April 28th to 29th 2018, 40 first-class international art galleries which displayed a kaleidoscope of art forms. These included the latest innovations and trends in art, and featured displays from pivotal Art Institutions. Visitors enjoyed a full cultural immersion which included the evolution of art from the refined Italian Renaissance paintings of Pinturicchio (Moretti Fine Art) to contemporary Iranian Art (Kamil Art Gallery) and also featuring the romanticism of Vincenzo Caprile (A. Pallesi Art Gallery).
Records at Sotheby’s Collector Car Auction
The RM Sotheby’s superlative collector car auction took place in the Grimaldi Centre with the thundering roar of the Historic Grand Prix in the background setting the stage for the equally thundering pace at which vintage Ferraris and Porsches fell to the auctioneer’s hammer. Suddenly on the large screen above the auctioneer appears the Pope with the latest model Lamborghini Huracan! And this set the stage for one of the truly magic moments of the auction — The Vatican auctioning for charity a pristine white Lambo with the Pope’s saintly signature on the bonnet. And Sotheby’s giving a helping hand and waiving the buyer’s premium fee for their services. At 750.000 euros, the auctioneer at last managed to slam the gavel down on the desk for what must have been the day’s record of three times the guide price.
There are other beauties also featured at this Sotheby’s auction. They are pieces of art and certainly pieces of automotive history. For example, a 1949 Gilco-Fiat 1100 with coachwork by Zagato, one of the earliest examples of post-war Zagato coachwork. There is clearly also a flourishing market for cars qualified to race in historic races like the Monaco Historic Grand Prix and the Mille Miglia Storica.
11th Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2018
Over 3 days, endless races took place in various categories, ranging from immortal pre-war cars to models from the 80’s. Smells of gasoline and burnt rubber wafted around our nostrils. The roar of motors filled the air, it was an exciting sight. On May 11–13, the roads of this tiny state became a battleground for the cars that had once taken part in Formula 1 or Formula 2. For the Historic Grand Prix, cars in each category take part in 3 stages: a 30-minute trial race, a qualifying session that determines the starting position, and finally, the main race that was held on Sunday, May 13. The Monte-Carlo circuit has not been changed since 1929. Cars of all categories were thus harmoniously progressing on a track they were accustomed to. The famous racer Derek Bell, a 9-time prize-winner of «Le Mans 24 hours» and a Formula 1 pilot took part in the events. A parade was also held for the 70th anniversary of Porsche, sponsored by Chopard.
Chopard Releases Limited Edition Monaco Historic Grand Prix Watches
Chopard has recently welcomed two new limited edition chronograph watches to its collection, entitled «2018 Monaco Historic Grand Prix Race Edition». Since 2002, Chopard has been a partner and official timekeeper of the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. For the 11th edition of the event, the new exclusive 2018 Monaco Grand Prix Race Edition Watch honoured the bold spirit of the intense race where speed is a raison d’être and victory is a matter of panache. The new watches are fitted with dials in the shape of engine pistons and a blue bezel equipped with a tachymeter scale, ideal for calculating the average speed at a race. The case is 44.5 mm in diameter and is engraved with the logo of the Automobile Club of Monaco. Waterproof up to 100 metres, it houses a high-precision watch engine, certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control (COSC), an essential quality for a Chopard chronograph. The self-winding mechanical movement, with a power reserve of approximately 46 hours, displays the hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and date.
Pierre and Beatrice Casiraghi Celebrate the Arrival of Francesco Carlo Albert
Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Princess Caroline, and his wife Beatrice Borromeo had embraced their first child, a bouncing baby boy, on February 28, 2017, Stefano Ercole Carlo. Now so soon after his first birthday he has a new little brother Francesco Carlo Albert who was born on May 21, 2018.
Monte-Carlo Fashion Week 2018: the Future of Sustainable Fashion
Young designers, world fashion figures, models, influencers and just fashion lovers all came to the Principality of Monaco for an amazing event — the 6th Monte-Carlo Fashion Week (MCFW). On May 16–20, our tiny state experienced an inspiring and slightly frenetic atmosphere typical of world fashion capitals. The event was organized by the Monegasque Chamber of Fashion under the patronage of the Princely couple. For the second year in a row, Monte-Carlo Fashion Week also supported the Princess Charlene Foundation.
Formula 1 Grand Prix: Triumph of Speed and Good Luck
On Sunday May 27, Monte-Carlo was abuzz with fans cheering for their Formula 1 favourite pilots above the roar of the Grand Prix engines. The Princely couple made a symbolic tour of the race track in a Lexus LC. The march of the Carabinieri Princely Orchestra was another remarkable highlight and innovation for Formula 1.
78 laps of the Monaco city circuit — this is a place for only the most technically skilled pilots. Some drivers managed the distance quite smoothly, for others it was a real durability test. Three racers thus had to withdraw from the competition due to serious collisions and technical problems. Fernando Alonso from the McLaren team experienced a loss of engine power and a gearbox breakage causing him to leave the race among the first. Following the results of the qualifying race, Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) won pole position and managed to stay in the lead till the very end of the race. Second place went to the German Sebastian Vettel with a gap of 7.336 seconds. The British racing driver Lewis Hamilton came third, only 17.013 seconds later.
Leonardo Jardim, AS Monaco Coach — Golden Globe Winner
Leonardo Jardim who has been named «Top Portuguese Coach», AS Monaco and the Principality of Monaco itself is the perfect combination of coaching skill, celebrity and royalty. The Golden Globe comes as no surprise when you add up all Jardim’s achievements. It is not just getting to the top that is the measure of a great manager; it is staying at the top. Jardim demonstrates the ability to do both. Coaching Monaco to its first league Championship in seventeen years and then like a rock, with half the team transferring, rising to the challenge. AS Monaco, Vice-Champions this season even with all the changes.
Prince Albert II Renovates Grace Kelly’s Home
Almost two years ago, the Prince of Monaco acquired a property in Philadelphia, situated on 3901 Henry Avenue. Not just any property, but the one where Prince Albert’s mother, Grace Kelly, grew up before she met Prince Rainier III. It was also the house they got engaged in back in 1955. During an official visit to Philadelphia, Prince Albert II inaugurated the newly renovated and restored Kelly family home. Built in 1925 by John B. Kelly, Prince Albert’s grandfather, the large Georgian style house was a home for a few generations of the Kelly family. With four stories, a brick facade and large white columns, the property was acquired for 712,000 euros. But the house was in need of some attention. Major renovation and decoration work was subsequently carried out by the Sovereign Prince with the help of his cousins.
58th Monte-Carlo Television Festival
The Festival was opened at the Grimaldi Forum on June 15th, with an ultra-glamorous ceremony, featuring an exclusive preview screening of a specially awaited TV program. Originally created by Prince Rainier III of Monaco, and now under the Honorary Presidency of Prince Albert II of Monaco, The Monte-Carlo Television Festival has also been at the forefront in showcasing the highly talented professionals associated with many of the most successful programs in the history of the medium. With free entrance and open to the public, it also offers audiences the chance to meet international stars, attend TV series and «Behind the Scenes» conferences, public screenings and autograph signing sessions.
The Golden Nymphs competition, featuring the best in TV programming from around the world, revealed the 2018 winners in front of an audience of more than a thousand special guests. During the opening ceremony Mariska Hargitay was honoured by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco with the coveted Crystal Nymph Award in recognition of her stellar carrier. Ewan McGregor received the Crystal Nymph Award as Best actor, while Sinead Keenan was awarded the same prize as Best actress for her role in the TV series «Little Boy Blue».
Monacology 2018: the Monegasque Next Generations Play «Green» to Turn Sustainability into Action
«Do what you love, love what you do, make the difference!» — this slogan by Kate Powers, co-founder and president of Monacology, reflects very well the essence of this event. Since its creation in 2004, this annual event has been offering the Riviera’s youth the opportunity to test and increase their environmental awareness thanks to a series of workshops, exhibitions and educational role-playing promoted by high standard key players and best schools in the Principality. Monacology is under the auspices of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Gouvernement Princier (Department of Education), the Mairie de Monaco, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Yacht Club de Monaco and the Grimaldi Forum, just to name some. «Feeling sustainable» involves learning more about wild fauna as Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, together with the Grimaldi Forum emphasized during a multiple-choice educational lab aimed at discovering different species of animals and their role in modern times. A whole generation, in fact, has already grown up with Monacology and the older children are playing the role of tutor for the young ones.
Riviera Water Bike Challenge. Pedalling on the Water for a Good Cause
Water biking is a sport that requires special training. On Sunday, June 17, taking part in the second Riviera Water Bike Challenge 44 athletes and 22 teams were driven by a common mission for charity. It’s been two years since this sporting event was held in support of the Princess Charlene Foundation. The water race was designed as a 30-circle relay, alternating different team members, marked by the buoys opposite the Monaco harbour. The fans were blessed with a variety of famous participants including Princess Charlene, Prince Albert II, former and current Formula 1 racers Mika Hakkinen, Felipe Massa, Valtteri Bottas, David Coulthard, Charles Leclerc, and etc. This year’s winners were the Serenity team, composed of Australian racer Mark Webber, rugby player Christophe Dominici, cyclist David Tanner and Princess Charlene who was incredibly fit.
Prince Albert II Foundation Awards Ceremony
On June 22, during the 11th Prince Albert II Foundation Awards Ceremony, HSH the Sovereign Prince honoured several personalities and international organizations for their exemplary actions in favour of the environment and the preservation of the planet in each of the three priority areas of action of the Foundation. These included the fight against the effects of climate change, the preservation of biodiversity, as well as access to water and the fight against desertification. This year during the ceremony three awards in three categories «Water» (Victor Pochat), «Climate change» (Terry Hughes), and «Biodiversity» (Jim Thomas) were attributed.
13th Monte-Carlo Jumping
The 13th edition of the International Jumping Monte-Carlo was welcomed to the Principality of Monaco from the 28th to the 30th of June on the Port Hercule. This competition is part of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco and is organized under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and the Presidency of Honour H.R.H. Princess of Hanover. It welcomes the top show jumpers in the world to compete in prestigious locations for unprecedented prize money. The competition took off to a great start, promising for a brilliant rest of the competition for the eager public. There is no doubt that the Monaco stage is the most glamorous step in the competition that runs through Shanghai, Madrid, Berlin and Doha. The participants were of ranging levels, including some of the best in the field. Attending the event, whether you are an equestrian lover or not, gives you a true appreciation for the skill and precision it takes to perfectly execute a graceful jump. The jumping fences vary in size but are all impressively tall; it is unbelievable that the horses are able to tackle the height and width of each fence. Finally the winners were Shane Breen (riding Ipswich van de Wolfsakker), Simon Delestre (riding Chesall Zimequest), Pius Schwizer (riding Chidame Z and About A Dream), Mona Ferry (riding Themis de Monaco), Michael Whitaker (riding Valmy de la Lande), Felix Hassmann (riding Balzaci).
The Grand Prix took place in the presence of Princess Caroline of Hanover, alongside her daughter, Honorary President, Charlotte Casiraghi.
Festival of Russian art and cinema
The Annual Festival of Russian Art and Cinema celebrated its 5th-year anniversary. On July 5–6, one of the best Monaco сinemas — Cinéma des Beaux-Arts — was showing the latest premieres by famous Russian film directors, free of charge. They were «Dangerous Dances» (directed by E. Dvigubskaya), «Moving Up» (directed by A. Megerdichev), «Arrhythmia» (directed by B. Khlebnikov), «Salyut-7» (directed by K. Shipenko) — just to name a few. A famous French explorer Yvan Griboval was a special guest at the event. He recently made a round-the-world yacht journey under the patronage of Prince Albert II Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute. The traveler presented a film dedicated to his unique adventure.
The Festival was also a venue to the first exhibition of the Russian sculptor and artist, Gregory Pototsky who donated one of his works — the bust of Princess Grace — to the Monaco City Council. On July 6, the Yacht Club of Monaco hosted a Gala dinner. The festival was crowned by an Annual Award Ceremony recognizing winners in five nominations. It was established by the «Event Art Monaco» Association for promoting the ideas of Russian culture and art in Europe. The prizes were custom made by the partner of the Festival, a jeweler La Maison Vitale.
