Palace Light Show to Headline Grimaldi Heritage Weekend

 

Monaco’s historic Palace Square will become the centre of a two-day celebration of history, culture and regional traditions on 13 and 14 June, as the seventh annual Grimaldi Historic Sites Gathering returns with a new light-and-sound spectacle projected onto the Prince’s Palace.

 

Organized by the Fédération des Sites historiques Grimaldi de Monaco, the free public event highlights the centuries-old connections between the Grimaldi family and communities across France and Italy that were once linked to Monaco’s ruling dynasty.

 

This year’s participating regions include the French communes of Ascros, Marie, Roumoules, Fontaine-Française and Mayenne, alongside the Italian towns of Pianezza and Livorno Ferraris. Each location shares a historical connection to the Grimaldi family through marriages, inheritances, feudal ties or noble alliances stretching back centuries.

The weekend opens on Saturday morning with an address by Prince Albert II, followed by musical performances, traditional flag-throwing displays, magic shows and the ceremonial changing of the guard by the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince.

 

Visitors can also explore dozens of stalls featuring regional specialties, crafts and artisan products, including ceramics, cheeses, textiles, perfumes, pasta and the renowned Acquerello rice from northern Italy.

 

Sunday’s programme features demonstrations of Monaco’s traditional martial art, Pàijeda, as well as workshops, family activities and additional live entertainment throughout the day.

 

The event’s centrepiece arrives on Saturday evening. Following a performance by the Orchestre des Carabiniers du Prince, a brand-new son et lumière production will illuminate the façade of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. 
 

The show will use projection, light and music to tell the story of the Grimaldi dynasty’s historic links to each of the participating territories, bringing centuries of European history to life on the Palace walls.

 

Admission to all activities, including the evening light show, is free. Access will be available via the Parking des Pêcheurs entrance, with security screening in place throughout the event.