Festivals associated with dressing up and colorful costumed street processions and balls, celebrated before Lent, have been common in the Old World over the past several centuries. The first such events are described back in the 10th century, and therefore their history has rich traditions. The small European principality of Monaco has many of its own festivals and celebrations, and the carnival in Monte Carlo in the usual sense of the word is not regularly held. Only once did the square in front of the most famous casino in the world receive participants of such an action.
From Venice with love
In February 2011, the characters of the famous Italian carnival gathered in Monte Carlo:
- For three days, Venetian clowns and mimes, musicians and dancers performed in the city.
- The famous Strauss Orchestra played in the Casino Square, and all the performers were in carnival costumes.
- In the park near the Casino de Monaco, the theater performance and concert "The Garden of Delights" was presented to the public.
- On Saturday, March 12, participants in the Italian comedy of masks marched through the streets of Monaco.
Slot machines and casino tables that day accepted minimum bets, giving everyone the opportunity to try their luck.
Nice at your fingertips
Those living in Monte Carlo can participate in the carnival in neighboring Nice. Only 20 km separate the cities from each other, but the French guarantee their neighbors an annual and exciting festival program. On the eve of Lent, colorful processions take place on the streets of Nice, in which models and magicians, musicians and dancers, acrobats and jugglers take part. A special part of the Carnival on the Cote d'Azur is the Flower Parades. The streets of the city and platforms with speakers are decorated with thousands of bouquets these days.
3-D and Prince Rainier
Another annual carnival in Monte Carla has nothing to do with religion and even ancient pagan traditions. It is called Imagina and has been held on the territory of the principality more than thirty times. The event is dedicated to computer technologies in the creation of animation films, high-definition television and other high-tech novelties.
Control over the preparation and conduct of this carnival in Monte Carlo is carried out by His Serene Highness Prince Rainier of Monaco.
During the festival (or carnival, as the organizers themselves call it), participants can share their experience in the field of computer technology, take part in round tables and master classes, and communicate with colleagues and colleagues in skill.
