Discover Monaco - The Gem of the Mediterranean Any Time of the Year

Discover Monaco - The Gem of the Mediterranean Any Time of the Year
The Mediterranean Principality is legendary for its casinos and world famous Monaco Grand Prix. But these icons are just the tip of the iceberg among a wealth of unforgettable experiences throughout every season of the year at Europe's most prestigious destination.

With SPRING in the air, the luxury, glamour and excitement steps up a gear with coveted cultural experiences in the main social season for discerning world-travelers.

Two special highlights take place in March; As Monte Carlo Opera closes its season on a high note before embarking on its annual world tour, the fairy tale Rose Ball is a prestigious fund-raiser for the Princess Grace Foundation graced by Europe's high society, with entertainment by top-name performers.

One of the year's most exciting cultural events is the annual Spring Arts Festival held in April. This vibrant showcase brings together a wealth of talented artists from around the globe to entertain visitors with beautiful art, music, theatre and dance. Another spring highlight comes from Monaco's engaging sporting calendar; The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters is one of the world's nine ‘Super Tennis' tournaments and this year is celebrating its 110th edition.

May is on every diary as the highlight of Monaco's motor racing season. The month begins in stately fashion with one of the world's most historic races, the Monte-Carlo Historic Grand Prix, a retrospective of the golden age of car racing.

Next on the grid is the legendary Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, when society's most glamorous and elite converge to witness greatness in action on the most difficult of all circuits in the Formula 1 World Championship. Living up to its name as a playground for the rich and famous, the Principality engages in several days of lavish parties and activities.

SUMMER is the sweet spot for families to flock to Monaco for a glamorous and enchanting holiday.
June 24th marksSt. John's Day; an ancient religious festival, with a colorful procession from Monaco-Ville to Monte-Carlo, and folk groups forming a guard of honor around "Little Saint John" and his lamb to the Church of St. Charles. It is a tradition not to be missed with music, bonfire, and a feast that goes well into the wee hours of the night.

Starting in July and continuing throughout the summer months, Monaco displays its rich musical culture to the Courtyard of the Prince's Palace. This historic outdoor stage plays host to many performances by the world-class legendary Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. In July and August, The Monte-Carlo International Fireworks Festival lights up the sky with the most beautiful and original fireworks displays by pyrotechnic specialists from around the globe.

The Summer Sporting Festival gives Monaco after-dark sparkles with an impressive line-up of concerts under the stars by some of the world's most celebrated international recording artists. The festival is set at the exclusive Monte-Carlo Sporting Club and takes place in July and August. It is one of the World's longest pop-music festival and was created in 1974 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Junior were among the lineup that year.

The Monte-Carlo Red Cross Gala Ball on the first weekend of August also attracts scores of international celebrities to an annual fund-raiser under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert at the Sporting Club. This event gives way to elegantly prepared meals, top entertainers and a display of ball gowns that dazzle.

AUTUMN is beloved as Monaco's most pleasant and comfortable season of the year, most favored for cruising and yachting. September is magnificent as Port Hercules plays host to the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show, with around 100 of the world's most beautiful superyachts on display. With an enduring connection to the sea, The Monaco Yacht Club, one of Europe's oldest and most distinguished, also celebrates the Principality's glorious maritime past with Monaco Classic Week.

In cooler November, international athletes descend to contest the Cross Du Larvotto cross-country run, and Monaco celebrates its National Holiday on November 19 with a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor in the evening and a mass in the Cathedral the next morning. This is an excellent opportunity to witness the pomp and circumstance of the Principality in all its grandeur, and the Princely family waving to the crowds from the Prince's Palace.

WINTER completes Monaco's year-round seasons with the Monaco Dance Forum of neo-classical, contemporary, world and hip-hop dance in December, and special performances and gala dinners throughout the Principality on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Into the New Year, the legendary Monte-Carlo Rally and International Circus Festival jump start another exciting calendar of annual events in January.

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