A Spectacle to Remember at the Palace: Historical Sites of the Grimaldi

The fourth meeting of the Historical Sites of the Grimaldis on the 10th11th June took on a rather special flavour… and not just with the local delights one could savour at the artisanal stands erected for the occasion. Six departments were in the spotlight, with 11 communes: Haut-Rhin with the communes of Issenheim, Altkirch, Thann, Ferrette and Feldbach; Lot-et-Garonne with Duras; Deux-Sèvres with Parthenay; Pyrénées-Orientales with Prats-de-Mollo; Alpes-Maritimes with Grasse and Saint-Honorat de Lérins; Haute-Corse with Lucciana. Each site invited to the event highlighted its historic links with the Principality, and gave an introduction to its region and its cultural heritage. There was something for everyone, adults and children, including a spectacular show… a “Sound and Light” show projected on to the façades of the Prince’s Palace, recounted the history of the Grimaldi dynasty through its links with the ancient “fiefdoms” with the Rocher. If that wasn’t enough there was folk dancing, discovery of artists and typical trades, jousting with duels of musketeers and fights of béhourd with the Grimaldi Milites front and centre… and other equestrian spectacles, and dis - plays of falconry with the fascinating birds of prey in flight. Of course, you could also shop for artisanal products of all kinds including perfumes, ceramics, stained glass, textiles and sculptures and food glorious food. Prince Albert attended the spectacle explaining about the many fiefdoms of the

Mazarin family, which entered the Grimaldi family in 1777. Particularly touching was the special highlight “In memory of Albert Croesi” which appeared on the facade of the Palace… a tribute to the founding soul of these meetings, according to the warm comments of Prince Albert II.