Those who decide to buy a property in Monaco and move to this tiny state nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the snow-capped Alps will soon see that it has a unique heritage of which its inhabitants are very proud.
Monaco’s rich and colourful story began in 1297 when Francois Grimaldi and a fearsome army seized control of the Rock, where some of the most coveted properties for sale in Monaco are now located. Although the Grimaldis were expelled in 1301, they returned with a vengeance three decades later and the House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco largely uninterrupted ever since, except between 1789 and 1814 when it fell under French rule.
Native Monegasques, of which there are approximately 7,500 who own property in Monaco, are fiercely proud of their country’s unique history, and have managed to maintain many of their traditions and institutions throughout the centuries.
One such tradition –which those with property in Monaco should definitely look out for – is the Monegasque National Festival, or Fête Nationale Monégasque, which takes place on November 19 every year.
In preparation for the festival, buildings, shops and properties for sale in Monaco are decked out with red and white flags while a number of events are organised such a musical concerts, religious services and a spectacular fireworks display at the central Port Hercules.
The tradition of the Monegasque National Festival back to the reign of Prince Charles III in 1856, but it was Prince Albert II who chose 19th November as the official celebration day of the Principality – the feast day of St Rainier of Arezzo – in honour of his father, the late Prince Rainier III.
This year, one of the festival’s main events is a performance by the world-class Opera du Monte-Carlo, who will be performing La Fanciulla del West, by Puccini, in a special concert on November 19th in the Grimaldi Forum.
