Monaco City Hall’s Cour d’Honneur provided a fitting setting on Wednesday evening for the annual Monegasque Language Competition prize-giving ceremony, held in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, Mayor Georges Marsan, Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy and Minister of State Christophe Mirmand…
As tradition dictates, the event opened with the Monegasque anthem, performed by the choir Cantu d’A Roca. Organised jointly by the Municipal Institution, the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports (DENJS), and the National Committee for Monegasque Traditions, the competition remains a cornerstone of efforts to preserve and promote Monaco’s linguistic heritage. This year, 1,902 pupils took part in the written and oral examinations, with 76 students receiving prizes for outstanding achievement.
Participants ranged from CM2 pupils through to students in their final year of secondary education, reflecting a commitment to the language across generations. The ceremony also featured a traditional theatrical performance in Monegasque by students, highlighting both the vitality of the language and the enthusiasm with which it continues to be embraced by young people.
This year’s event carried particular significance as Monaco marks 50 years since the teaching of the Monegasque language became compulsory in schools. Speakers noted that studying the language, history and traditions of the Principality is not about looking backwards, but about connecting new generations with a shared identity and collective memory.
The evening concluded with warm congratulations to the prize winners, their teachers and families, celebrating their role in safeguarding one of Monaco’s most important cultural treasures.
Image: Monaco Info