The Principality of Monaco, famous for its exciting event calendar, boasts some of the best cultural festivals in Europe. Different art forms are celebrated in Monaco, despite its small land area. You may even find festivals which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Scroll down to find out more!
PRINTEMPS DES ARTS
The Printemps des Arts de Monte Carlo was the vision of Princess Grace of Monaco. It opened in 1984 and follows the ideal of being a festival specializing in various and different art forms. Bringing together music, theatre, dance and sculpture, the event attracts the world’s most distinguished manifestations of art and most prominent artists and performers. Michael Jackson and Luciano Pavarotti are two names that have participated in past editions of the Printemps, causing bedlam in the country.
Follow Printemps des Arts on Instagram here: @printempsdesartsmc
SPORTING SUMMER FESTIVAL
Once night falls, Monte-Carlo shines more than ever with the electrifying dinner shows in the frame of the Sporting Summer Festival which take place at the exclusive Monte-Carlo Sporting Club. Throughout the summer it beats to the rhythm of the most famous & successful international artists. Previous editions have included Enrique Iglesias, Lana Del Rey, Rihanna, Beyonce, Taylor Swift among others.
INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS FESTIVAL
For decades, circus shows have been known for their ability to bring smiles to the faces of children and adults. Similarly, Prince Rainier III was fascinated by the circus world, thus creating this festival in 1974 for the best performers in the world to perform in, spreading joy to Monaco and beyond.
Every year, hundreds of artists send requests to be part of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, which takes place in January and rewards the two best performances with the Golden Clown Award, akin to the Oscars and Grammys in the circus world.
MONACO INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
Established by the Monaco Town Hall in 1966, the essential Monaco Art en Ciel (International Pyromelodic Fireworks Competition) every year involves pyrotechnics shows of great quality. Summer is conducive to long evenings outside on the Port of Monaco where the fireworks proliferate for the pleasure and wonder of young and old. A very powerful sound system has been installed on the whole of Port Hercule, allowing spectators to fully enjoy these unique spectacles from the Quai Albert Ier.
Countries take each other on in the Monegasque sky in particularly technical salvoes in which visual and musical effects aim for perfect synchronisation! Of all the firework festivals organised in the world, that of Monte-Carlo alone brings together so many different nations and competitors.
MONTE-CARLO JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival was created in 2006, and has since enjoyed the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. The festival reflects jazz music as it is today: open to all musical trends, always leaving room for tradition, but never static, taking inspiration from the music of the entire world and giving particular attention to artistic creation.
BUT THERE IS MORE…
Another world-renowned festival celebrating the most luxurious and extravagant yachts in the world…
MONACO YACHT SHOW
During the month of September, the magnificent Port Hercule houses the Monaco Yacht Show. About 100 yachts, measuring from 35 meters to more than 100 meters, are exposed for both professionals and the public to enjoy this amazing collection. Port Hercule showers itself with maritime glamour, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
Usually about 30 new models of yachts and superyachts are launched during the event, which you can enjoy with a glass of champagne in a warm Mediterranean weather.