Nearly 900 Monégasques gathered with the Princely Couple, their children, and several members of the Princely Family at Princess Antoinette Park for the traditional “U Cavagnëtu” picnic on the evening of Saturday, September 7.
The event began with a warm welcome from Mayor Georges Marsan and members of the Communal Council, who greeted the Princely Family and kicked off this beloved annual gathering, cherished by the Monegasque community.
After the customary presentation of bouquets and a warm reception by dancers from La Palladienne, an outdoor mass was celebrated by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David. The ceremony featured the choir ‘U Cantin d’A Roca’, which performed several traditional songs following the Monegasque National Anthem.
Following the mass, attendees gathered around tables set up under the olive trees to enjoy a spread of local delights, including socca, barbecued treats, drinks, ice cream, fougasse monégasque, and other delicacies provided by the Monaco Town Hall. Many participants also brought their own picnic baskets, known as ‘cavagnëtu’, prepared especially for the occasion. Just like last year, freshly made fresciœi di baccalà (cod fritters, a specialty from the Ligurian region) were cooked on-site, in celebration of Monaco’s twinning with the town of Dolceacqua.
This year’s new additions were a big hit. The picnic featured a grand dance party on the sports field, where attendees could dance the night away, and a special children’s workshop where the youngest guests crafted small picnic baskets.
The atmosphere throughout the park was kept lively by a jazz quartet led by Lionel Vaudano, a professor at the Rainier III Academy, along with the choir from “U Cantin d’A Roca.”
The event was a delightful evening that, each year, marks the end of summer, bringing together numerous families in a warm and convivial setting.
Featured image: EdWright Images / Monaco Town Hall
