Toulon Pride 2025: A Celebration of Love, Unity, and Equality

 

Toulon is gearing up for a powerful and joyful display of solidarity with its LGBTQIA+ community as the 2025 Marche des Fiertés (Pride March) returns on Saturday, June 14. Organized by the Collectif Fiertés Toulon (CFT), this annual event stands as a proud symbol of the city’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, and equal rights for all.

A Day to March with Pride

The march kicks off at 12:00 PM and continues into the evening until 8:00 PM, filling the streets of Toulon with vibrant colors, music, and an infectious spirit of celebration. Following last year’s turnout of around 3,000 participants, this year’s event is expected to draw even more supporters from across the region and beyond.

More than a festive gathering, the Pride March is a moment of visibility and advocacy—an invitation for everyone to stand together in support of LGBTQIA+ rights. People of all ages, backgrounds, and identities are welcome to join in this celebration of resilience, love, and community.

Quinzaine des Fiertés: Two Weeks of Pride

Leading up to the main event is the Quinzaine des Fiertés (Fortnight of Pride), a two-week program brimming with events curated by the CFT. From cultural exhibitions and film screenings to interactive workshops and public discussions, the Quinzaine is designed to spark dialogue, promote awareness, and bring people together through shared values of inclusion and respect.

Get Involved: Creativity and Community

As part of its commitment to community involvement, the CFT has launched a public contest to design the official 2025 Pride poster. Local artists and supporters are invited to submit their creative interpretations, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and representation at the heart of Pride.

Supporters can also become members of the CFT for just €10 per year, helping fund the Pride March and related events while affirming their support for LGBTQIA+ rights in Toulon and the broader Var region.

Be Part of the Movement

Whether you're a lifelong Toulonnais or visiting the beautiful Var coast, Toulon Pride 2025 offers an opportunity to stand in solidarity, celebrate love in all its forms, and march for a future rooted in equality.

Save the date: June 14, 2025. Let's make it a day to remember.

For the latest updates, event details, or to get involved, visit the official site of the Collectif Fiertés Toulon.

Monaco Grand Prix Superyacht Charity Night with Pink Ribbon and Agenxy

 

On the eve of the Monaco Grand Prix, Pink Ribbon Monaco is joining forces with Agenxy Universe to host an exclusive charity evening aboard a private superyacht—fusing high-profile philanthropy with the glamour of one of the world’s most iconic race weekends.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Grand Prix, the event will spotlight breast cancer awareness, with a particular focus on lobular breast cancer, an often underdiagnosed subtype.

This invitation-only soirée will welcome distinguished guests from motorsport, fashion, and entertainment. The evening will be hosted by actor and musician Evan Ross, featuring a private performance by Grammy-nominated artist Robin Thicke. Award-winning chef Marc Forgione will oversee the gourmet experience. 

A silent auction offering rare collectibles and luxury experiences will raise funds for Pink Ribbon Monaco, with proceeds supporting breast cancer research and early detection initiatives at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG).

Under the Honorary Presidency of Princess Charlene and the leadership of President Natasha Frost-Savio and Vice President Tiffany Cromwell, Pink Ribbon Monaco continues to drive awareness and support critical medical research—locally and globally—through dynamic, high-impact events.

Glamour & Giving: Inside the 2025 amfAR Gala Cannes Auction

 

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the 31st annual amfAR Gala Cannes returns to the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, promising another unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and impact. Set against the glittering backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival, this celebrated black-tie affair blends star power with purpose, raising vital funds for AIDS research.

A Night of Stars and Purpose

Hosted by the acclaimed actress and activist Taraji P. Henson, the evening will shine with A-list energy and charitable spirit. The iconic British band Duran Duran will headline, treating guests to an exclusive live performance ahead of their upcoming European tour.

Auction Highlights: Art, Adventure & Iconic Luxury

The evening’s heart is the much-anticipated live auction, featuring rare and luxurious offerings:

• George Condo’s “Smiling Goddess” (2025): A striking new piece by the influential contemporary artist.

• Chris Levine Portrait Sitting: A one-of-a-kind opportunity to be photographed by the artist behind the renowned portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.

• Fast X Hero Car: The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody driven by Vin Diesel in Fast X.

• Miavana Private Island Adventure: An extravagant helicopter expedition for eight to Madagascar, courtesy of Cookson Adventures.

• Amanzoe Villa 20 Experience: A lavish four-night getaway to Greece’s premier Aman villa, complete with private helicopter transfers, gourmet cuisine, and access to a secluded beach club—valued at €350,000.

Advance bids will be accepted through 12:00 p.m. CEST on May 22, 2025. For more details or to place a bid, contact auction@amfar.org.

Couture with a Cause

Fashion takes center stage with the “From Cannes With Love” runway show, curated by fashion icon Carine Roitfeld. The show will spotlight designs from top fashion houses including Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Jacquemus, and Balenciaga, marrying style with solidarity.

Fueling the Fight Against AIDS

Since 1993, the amfAR Gala Cannes has raised more than $297 million for groundbreaking AIDS research around the globe. In 2024 alone, the gala brought in $16 million, a testament to the continued generosity and commitment of its supporters.

Join the Celebration

Ticket and table options cater to a variety of patrons, with individual seats starting at €20,822 and premium tables reaching €356,940. Attendees will enjoy seaside cocktails, gourmet dining, standout performances, and a legendary after-party to cap off the night.

To learn more or reserve your place at one of the year’s most iconic philanthropic events, visit the official amfAR Gala Cannes 2025 page.

The Staggering Stats Behind the Monaco F1 Grand Prix

 

Each May, the glamorous Principality of Monaco—just 2.1 square kilometers in size—transforms into the pulsating heart of the motorsport universe, hosting one of Formula 1’s most iconic events: the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite having a population of just 38,000, Monaco welcomes an astonishing 300,000 visitors over the four-day spectacle—nearly eight visitors for every resident.

The race weekend is more than just a sporting event; it's a global phenomenon. Celebrities, royalty, billionaires, and influencers descend on the city-state, turning the harbor into a floating palace of luxury yachts and the streets into a catwalk of elite fashion and glamour. An estimated 100 private jets land at nearby airports, while the port accommodates over 100 superyachts, many chartered for upwards of €500,000 for the weekend.

The Engineering and Logistical Marvel

Staging the Monaco Grand Prix is a feat of engineering and coordination. Over 3,000 personnel are involved in the event’s execution, including:

• 750 race marshals

• 700 police and security officers

• 80 medics and paramedics

• 30+ fire and rescue specialists

Preparations begin six weeks in advance, as nearly 200 workers across 60 companies construct the temporary street circuit. The setup includes:

• Over 1,100 tons of grandstands seating more than 37,000 spectators

• 22 kilometers of safety barriers

• 33,000 square meters of fencing

• 500+ concrete blocks

• 12 cranes positioned around the circuit for rapid car recovery

The narrow, 3.337-kilometer (2.074-mile) track requires surgical precision from drivers, with 78 laps totaling 260 kilometers (161.5 miles) of intense concentration through tight corners and tunnel sections.

A Global Broadcast Behemoth

The Monaco Grand Prix is broadcast in over 80 countries, with a cumulative global TV audience surpassing 1 billion viewers across the weekend. In 2023, Formula 1's digital platforms also recorded over 60 million video views and 15 million social media engagements tied to the Monaco race alone.

Economic Windfall for Monaco

The economic boost to Monaco during the Grand Prix is unparalleled. Hotel prices soar by 350%–450%, with rooms that typically cost €500 jumping to over €2,500 per night. Occupancy rates hit 100%, and some luxury hotels generate up to 30% of their annual revenue during this single weekend.

Beyond hotels, Monaco’s restaurants, casinos, and boutiques report record sales. The race also fuels a thriving secondary hospitality market:

• Balcony and rooftop access: €1,000–€3,000 per person per day

• Superyacht viewing spots: €2,000–€5,000 per person per day

• Private yacht charters: Up to €750,000 for the weekend

The Prestige Factor

More than just a race, the Monaco Grand Prix is a global marketing engine. It enhances the Principality’s luxury brand image, enticing future tourism and real estate interest. Studies suggest that the media exposure Monaco receives during the event would cost over €100 million to replicate through conventional advertising.