#hello_monaco weekend: what to do on June 22nd and June 23rd
Summer weekends is such a busy time… you need no squeeze in just 48 hours meeting with friends, fun with family and on top of that there are so many interesting events going on in Monaco.
This weekend Monaco is celebrating the St. John’s Day Festival with the participation of folk groups on Saturday 22 June 2019, on Place du Palais.
Perpetrating an ancient tradition celebrating the summer solstice, the Roman Catholic Church has consecrated June 22th as the day for the celebration of St. John the Baptist, one of the central characters of the Bible and Annunciator of the Coming of the Messiah. St. John’s Testimony emphasizes Light and the Holy Spirit.
On June 23, St. John’s Day, the Feast moves from Monaco-Ville to Monte-Carlo. A procession forms up on the Place des Moulins (Mill Square) where the old olive presses used to operate. Program includes various folklore groups, traditional costumes, songs, dance, a special service at St. John’s Chapel, traditional bonfire and a procession.
The folk groups form a guard of honor around “Little Saint 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.
Also the Place du Palais will host the 2nd Meeting of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco on June 22nd and 23rd. This year, the country of Matignon, the duchy of Valentinois, the Italian commune of Dolceacqua and the French town of Roquebrune Cap Martin will be in the spotlight.
These ancient “fiefs” will present the history that binds them to the Principality and the Grimaldi dynasty as well as their cultural and artisanal heritage.
During two afternoons entertainment for children and adults will be offered: gouren (Breton fight), theater, game of the “pignata”, coloring workshop, treasure hunt and goose game …
Dances, folklore and cultural performances will enhance this second meeting, as well as various workshops: making clogs, carving wood and olive wood, making barbagiouans …
Many culinary specialties from the old “fiefs” will be offered for tasting and sale.
Finally, the great show “sound and light” will be projected on the facades of the Prince’s Palace on Saturday, June 22 at 22 hours.
For serious dance lovers there is a dance gala of the Princess Grace Academy by pupils of the Academy from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 June 2019, at 8 pm Salle Garnier de l’Opéra de Monte-Carlo.
CONDUCTOR
Great Season Series continues with a concert by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Jean-Christophe Spinosi on Sunday 23 June, at 6 pm, Auditorium Rainier III.
On the programme: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johann Strauss and Johannes Brahms.
As a prelude to the concert, presentation of the works at 5 pm by André Peyrègne
Did you know, that Colombia is one of the worlds mega diverse countries, with a large amount of biological ecosystems? That it is the only South American country bordering the Caribbean and Pacific ocean? That it has 5 geographical regions (Caribbean, Pacific, Andean, Llanos Orientales and Amazonian), which make Colombia one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world and give a unique richness to its culture, art, folklore and music?!
Does this sound like a “MUST DISCOVER” place to be? Then come and join for a taste of this Country full of wonders! Colombia – the land of Sabrosura! – “A Tribute to Colombia’s 200 years Bicentenario” is on June 22nd at 08:30pm in Montecarlo Beach Hotel.
The Monaco Fire Department is organizing an Open Day event for the public on Sunday June 23, from 10am to 6pm. This event, held on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the creation of the entity, will take place in the two rescue centers of Fontvieille and La Condamine, which also celebrate their 30th and 25th anniversaries respectively.
Make discover their profession and their know-how, while recalling the good behaviors to adopt in certain circumstances. This is the goal of this day, during which the firefighters of the Principality will undertake dynamic rescue maneuvers in demonstration of their daily lives.
The Cote d’Azur Polo Club will be holding an international polo tournament, The Esterel Cup, from 21 to 23 June 2019. This mixed tournament sees teams made up of men and women from all over the world compete for this Cup, a new addition to the tournament calendar of this lovely farm-style club. This year, players from Argentina, Uruguay, Spain, France, the US, and the UK are already confirmed.
The Cote d’Azur Polo Club is inviting the members of the Hellenic Community of Monaco,on June 22nd, to watch the Polo matches and enjoy the cocktail (Drinks, BBQ, Live music, DJ). Tickets: € 45 per person.
And if you want to learn more about other events and exhibitions that take place in Monaco these days visit our Calendar.
So have fun and enjoy your weekend!