Chinese New Year Celebrated in Monaco

Chinese New Year, the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar, was marked in the Principality on 11 February during an exceptional evening organised at the initiative of the Monegasque association “Monaco–China”, with the support of the Embassy of Monaco in China.

Around one hundred guests attended the event, including several prominent figures and representatives of Monegasque and Chinese diplomacy, reflecting the strong bilateral relations developed between the two countries, which celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2025.

To mark the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse — traditionally associated with dynamism, creative energy and a spirit of action — Chinese cultural traditions were placed in the spotlight.

During a dinner featuring specially prepared Asian-inspired dishes, guests enjoyed a succession of traditional performances, including lion dances, calligraphy demonstrations and music played on the guzheng (a traditional Chinese zither).

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the surprise prepared by students studying Mandarin at Collège Charles III and Lycée Albert Ier.

Highly engaged and guided by their teachers, more than 90 students — ranging from first-year secondary pupils to final-year students — took an active part in the evening’s performances.

Set to popular Chinese music, they delivered songs and dances emblematic of Chinese culture with energy, precision and enthusiasm. The varied contemporary performances were carefully staged, notably including a graceful fan dance and an impressive Tai Chi demonstration.

Thanks to their participation, the Chinese New Year celebration offered a meaningful symbol of the ties between Monaco and China, and an elegant and joyful illustration of the bridges built between the two cultures.