Monaco Celebrates Chinese New Year with Gala at Fairmont Monte Carlo

Monaco welcomed the Chinese New Year with a splendid gala at the Fairmont Monte Carlo on January 24, celebrating the Year of the Wood Snake, symbolizing wisdom, creativity, and renewal. The event, hosted by the Monaco-China Association and supported by Monaco’s Embassy in China, saw a gathering of dignitaries and enthusiasts from both the Monegasque and Chinese communities. This year's celebration was particularly significant as it also commemorated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a relationship rooted in a variety of sectors including tourism, education, and environmental cooperation.

During the event, Monaco’s Ambassador to China, Marie-Pascale Boisson, underscored the ongoing collaborative projects between the two countries, notably in environmental conservation. Highlights included the establishment of a protected area in northeast China for the endangered Amur tiger and a joint scientific study addressing pollution in Lake Taihu, now extended to the Yangtze River. These initiatives reflect a mutual commitment to environmental stewardship and underscore the deepening ties between Monaco and China.

The gala featured traditional and cultural festivities including the Dragon Dance, aimed at ushering in prosperity and dispelling bad spirits. The evening also showcased a blend of Chinese and Monegasque culinary delights, live cultural performances, and a special presentation by students from Collège Charles III, who performed Chinese songs, symbolizing the growing cultural connection between the two nations. The event not only celebrated the Lunar New Year but also highlighted the spirit of international friendship and cultural exchange, setting a positive tone for the future.