68th anniversary of liberation
On 2nd and 3rd September, Monaco celebrates the 68th anniversary of its liberation after WW2. The Place du Palais is transformed into a military camp, hosting an exhibition of memorabilia, including vehicles and weapons, with participants dressed in period costume, and a specially brewed liberation beer. There are also panels tracing the events leading up to liberation. Free entry, program:
- 2-3 Sep, 10:00-18:00, military camp exhibition
- 2 Sep, 17:00-midnight, grand ball, with music by Charly Vaudano Quintet and NewScat
- 3 Sep, 11:00-13:00, convoy of historic vehicles from boulevard des Moulins, via rue Grimaldi, to the Palace, with a live broadcast by Radio Monaco
Wreath laying in Monaco
In addition to the events at the Place du Palais, a Ceremony of Remembrance is organized at the cemetary, starting at 16:00 on 3rd September. Wreaths are to be laid at the Monument aux Morts and on the graves of Monegasque resistance fighters, Rene Borghini and Joseph Lajoux. followed by a prayer for the dead, a bugle call, a minute's silence, a prayer for peace, and finally, the playing of national anthems by the Musique Municipale, conducted by Charles Vaudano.
Wreath laying in France
Neighbouring Beausoleil is also marking the occasion on 3rd September:
- 10:00, Cap d'Ail, wreath laying at the monument on avenue Prince Rainier III
- 10:45, Beausoleil, procession with military vehicles and wreath laying at Palais Berlioz and Square Kraemer on rue des Martyrs de la Resistance, and on rue du 18 juin
- 11:15, Beausoleil mairie, speech by mayor, followed by wreath laying at the Monument aux Morts
- 11:45, Beausoleil, place de la liberation, public reception open to all
