Monaco marked the 81st anniversary of its liberation on Wednesday, September 3, with a series of solemn and festive events across the Principality…
The ceremonies served both as tributes to those who gave their lives during the Second World War and as a reminder of the enduring value of freedom.
The day began with a symbolic parade of 12 vintage military vehicles arriving in procession on Rue Grimaldi, stopping in front of the Maison de France. Men, women, and children in period uniforms joined French and Monegasque officials to honour the memory of those lost to the war, reflecting on the shared suffering and solidarity of the time.
The commemorations then moved to the National Council, where local authorities paid tribute to René Borghini, secretary to the presidency of the National Council and a resistance fighter, executed on August 15, 1944, just weeks before Monaco’s liberation.
The day was not only about remembrance but also celebration. Period music, dancing, and songs recreated the atmosphere of September 1944, when the people of Monaco first experienced the joy of freedom. A poignant moment came with the distribution of chocolate, echoing the gesture made to children on the day of liberation.
At the foot of the Prince’s Palace, the reenactment and festivities drew the attention of tourists, blending memory with the vibrancy of the Rock. Participants, including American visitors in World War II uniforms, spoke of pride and duty in honouring the fallen.
The ceremonies underscored the importance of transmitting this history to younger generations. As one participant noted, freedom was won at great cost and must never be taken for granted. The reminder was all the more resonant in today’s Europe, where conflict still rages nearby.
Images: Monaco Info
