Résumé:
Monaco celebrated the Chinese New Year with a gala event, highlighting the 30th anniversary of official relations between China and Monaco as well as environmental collaborations between the two countries.
Histoire complète :
Monaco celebrated the Chinese New Year, a highly anticipated event in the Chinese calendar, with a gala evening held at the Fairmont Monte Carlo on January 24th.
The event, organized by the Monaco-China Association with the support of the Monaco Embassy in China, brought together officials from both countries, members of the Monégasque and Chinese communities, and culture enthusiasts in a friendly atmosphere adorned with the traditional red and gold colors of the Lunar New Year, symbolizing happiness and prosperity.
According to Chinese astrology, the year 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake, believed to bring wisdom, creativity, and renewal. It also marks the 30th anniversary of official relations between China and Monaco.
During the evening, Ambassador of Monaco to China, H.E. Marie-Pascale Boisson, highlighted the importance of bilateral diplomatic ties established in 1955 by Prince Rainier III, which have since flourished through tourism, cultural, educational, commercial, and environmental exchanges.
She also emphasized the concrete and successful collaborations in ecological matters conducted by the Chinese branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Two prominent projects were highlighted:
– One project focused on the preservation of animal biodiversity, resulting in the creation of a protected area in northeastern China for the Amur tiger, the largest feline in the world and an endangered species.
– The other project involved a joint scientific study on the pollution of the aquatic ecosystems of Lake Taihu, one of China’s largest freshwater lakes, now expanded to the Yangtze River, the country’s largest river and the third longest in the world.
The festivities began with the traditional Dragon Dance, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring luck and prosperity for the entire year of 2025. Numerous activities and performances followed, showcasing the rich heritage of Chinese culture, including liquor tastings, calligraphy demonstrations, traditional music played on ancient instruments, and dance performances inspired by ancient choreographies.
The Gala menu, specially crafted for the occasion, highlighted a harmonious fusion of Chinese and local cuisines. Additionally, the evening was marked by the exceptional participation of students from the Principality who study Mandarin at Charles III College. Led by their teacher, they surprised and enthralled the guests by brilliantly performing famous songs from the Chinese repertoire.
The gala, blending cultural exchange with diplomacy, set the tone for a prosperous and promising new year!
Source:
Gouvernement Monaco
