MonacoCulture

History

1200’s and 1300’s• In 1215, the Genose came to Monaco and built a

fortress on the site of the present castle• In 1257, Francois Grimaldi was the first Grimaldi

to take possession of Monaco• In 1299, Genoe and Grimaldi had fierce battles at

sea, and it organized a blockage in Monaco• In 1331, Geneo gave up• For defeating the Spanish in the Renassiance Era,

Monaco was recognized as a state of its own

1700’s – 2000’s• In 1793, the new French revolutionary government

made Monaco a part of France• In 1814, after Napolean’s defeat Monaco became

its own country again• In 1816, it became part of the Maritime Alpes• In 1939, Monaco was against Germany (World War

2). After the fall of France, the Italian’s were watching Monaco

• In 2002, Monaco gained its independence (again)

Architecture

Civil• La Place du Casino: The style of the buildings’

collective architecture stands somewhere between Napoleon III, Belle-Epoque, Art Nouveau, and the 20’s styles

• Palais du Prince: One of Europe’s most elegant castles because of the marks left by every Grimaldi since its creation

Sacred• Monaco Cathedral: It was built in 1875. • Saint Charles Church: It was built in 1883. It has a

French Renaissance style, with 19 stained-glass windows and golden chandeliers.

Family Structure

Birth• Most Monacans are Roman Catholics, so their

children are baptised shortly after being born• The baptism is a family event• It is tradition for the female to have two

godmothers and one godfather, and opposite for a male

Marriage• Monacan law couples get married in a civil

ceremony with state authorities and two witnesses

• The civil ceremony is followed by a church wedding

• The church wedding is followed by a reception full of singing, dancing and feasting

Death• Funerals take place in a church with family and

friends• The body is cleansed, draped in new clothes, and

laid to rest in a coffin• On death anniversaries and religious occasions

(such as Saint Day), people visit graves of their loved ones, leaving flowers and candles

Language

Official Languages• French• English• Italian

Local Customs

Changing of the Guard• The guard around the castle is changed at 11:55

AM everyday• The Prince's guard of carabineers dress in white in

summer & black in winter

Public Toilets• There are hardly any public toilets• There are only some near the port and near the

casino

Festivals

Fête de la Sainte Dévote • January 27th

• A feast day dedicated to the matron saint of Monaco, Dévote.

• After Dévote’s death, a man stole her relics. He was found and the man’s boat was burned. This is why at the end of the festival, a boat is burned.

Fête de Saint-Jean-Baptiste • June 23rd and 24th

• This is a two day long festival that is dedicated to Saint John.

Food

Influences• The foods in Monaco are influenced by both the

French and the Italian.• There is a popularity in sea food because of how

close Monaco is to the sea.

Special Occasions• Christmas• Easter• Lent Carnival

Government

Government• From the beginning, Monaco was controlled by the

prince• In 1911, The prince lost his despotic rule and the

princedom became a constitutional monarchy. • The prince rules the Monaco government, being

helped by a cabinet, a minister of state and the National Council.

Music

Influences• The Royal Family• There are a lot of music organizations in Monaco,

such as: The Little Singers, Palatine Chapel's Chapel Master, and many more.

• Another very popular form of music is orchestra.

Religion

Religion• 90% of citizens are Roman Catholics.• The cultural life is influenced by the religion.• There is 1 cathedral.• There are 5 churches.• Life in Monaco revolves around the religion.

Sports

Sports• The big thing for sports is the Grand Prix of

Monaco, which is a big race.• It was created in 1997.• Another big thing in Monaco is swimming.