Monaco Municipality celebrates a new generation of Monegasque
Red and white has always represented a symbol of freedom to be fully respected based on the same traditions and one Princely Family. The core of the Monegasque anthem dating back to 19th century original version by Théophile Bellando de Castro whose lyrics were translated in Monegasque language by the poet Louis Notari in 1931, invites all citizens of this unique Country to join up in solidarity to defend any cultural root of the Principality. Under these principles, last Wednesday the 30th January 2019, at 5:30 p.m., the Mairie the Monaco organized a special event to celebrate the new Monegasque who got their nationality throughout 2018 at the iconic Wedding Hall.
A tradition that occurs every year by the will of the City Council and the prestigious ‘Conseil de la Couronne’, Princely Consultation Body. Monaco citizenship for a foreigner means an official authorization legally achieved by marriage; after a 10-year time residence or by immediate appointment of H.S.H. the Prince Sovereign.
That was clear from the very beginning for 35 new comers (out of 59 new Monegasque) who proudly gathered in the Municipal reception hall, part of the oldest Monegasque Institution founded in the 13th century. The so called “Maison des Monégasques” (House of Monegasque) that currently coincides with the State territory. A thrilling atmosphere felt by all participants during both the inspiring speech by the Mayor in the presence of all Municipal Counsellors and the following national anthem, performed by the talented youth choir from the Rainier III Academy.
What about the Mayor of Monaco, Georges Marsan’s (G.M) attitude towards this event? HelloMonaco asked him directly.
HelloMonaco: Mayor, how do you feel while officially welcoming new Monegasque?
G.M.: «I am particularly excited to chair this formal reception considering the large group of new nationals authorized last year. I took the opportunity to have some of them attending rendezvous already considered as a must in the Principality, to remind the audience that getting the Monegasque nationality is not only an administrative act. In fact, it implies the commitment to a common culture, a set of different traditions and one community that revolves around the Sovereign Prince and His Family to whom is devoted. All these elements create the Monegasque way of living. At the same time, I thought it was useful to recall some historical information about the Municipality and its tasks since they are often not so clear, generally speaking. To reiterate the point, any attendee was given a special gift including a historical copy of the national anthem based on the original manuscript by Notari, an exclusive CD about the most traditional Monegasque musical compositions and a special lithography. A true symbolic “cadeau”. Furthermore, this is a very special edition since all new citizens will exercise, for the first time, their right to vote, next 17th March on the occasion of the Municipal elections».
But what about the feelings of the interested parties just entered the new status of Monegasque? HelloMonaco let some of them express their opinions.
Madame Alexandra originally from France, appointed by the Sovereign Prince, was greatly honoured and very grateful to receive such a recognition in a Country where she has been living for a long time with her family: «For me the Principality is my city », she pointed out showing her fondness to Monaco. Monsieur Remy, orthodontist with French origins based in Monaco for many years said: « This is a really special day both for me and my wife, feeling proud to be part of the Principality, my new welcoming Country in which I feel fully integrated». Monsieur Olivier, with exotic Mauritius Island roots but professionally based in the Principality highlighted: «I am very happy to be officially Monegasque whose lifestyle I appreciate a lot as well as its safe, solid professional, economic and cultural environment that I consider very important for the future of my children». The Principality is then a pleasant reality which everyone wishes an everlasting future.
