Later, when I was near to the Palace, a lady from the Mairie, a big bunch of roses in her arms, handed me one. Somehow I strapped it to my camera bag and now, several days later it's flourishing in my kitchen - a beautiful reminder of the day.
31 January 2010
The Festival of Sainte Dévote - the Red Roses
Later, when I was near to the Palace, a lady from the Mairie, a big bunch of roses in her arms, handed me one. Somehow I strapped it to my camera bag and now, several days later it's flourishing in my kitchen - a beautiful reminder of the day.
30 January 2010
29 January 2010
The Festival of Sainte Dévote - The Parade Begins...
The photo below shows you how it started - with a close-up in the main pic.
There were many different groups in the parade, wearing totally different clothes. I wish I could tell you what the various costumes represent but I don't know. No matter, I hope you enjoy the parade for Monaco's patron saint as much as I did.
28 January 2010
The Festival of Sainte Dévote
Yesterday was the second day of the Fête de Sainte Dévote, patron Saint of Monaco. Here you see H.S.H. Prince Albert II leaving the Cathedral on le rocher after the Pontifical Mass. To the left, wearing the Mitre, is the Archbishop of Monaco, Monseigneur Bernard Barsi.
Following this mass there was a procession through the town which we'll see tomorrow and over the following few days.
According to legend, on the 27th January in the year 304, a boat from Corsica landed on the coast guided by a dove. In it lay the body of a young Christian martyr. Discovered by local fisherman, she became the patron saint of Monaco and a chapel was built on the spot - the beautiful Church of Saint Dévote - which stands near Port Hercule. The relics of Sainte Dévote were enshrined within its walls and each year on the 27th January, religious ceremonies are held throughout the Principality in honour of its patron saint. On the evening of the 26th the Royal family burn a fishing boat on the port, from which a white dove is released. This is known as the 'burning of the boat' and is a tradition much looked forward to each year. This is followed by fireworks. You can see a sculpture of Sainte Dévote by clicking HERE.
The second day, which is the one we are taking part in, features this Mass, and then during the procession, we'll see the relic of Saint Dévote. Do come back tomorrow.
PS. Apologies if you were expecting the visit to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. It's just that I drove into Monaco yesterday and suddenly remembered it was Fête day and so I wanted you to see photos that are current - aren't women allowed to change their mind? We'll go back to the villa on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat eventually.
27 January 2010
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild - the Stone Garden
Today we are back in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in the gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. One of the nine gardens is called The Stone Garden which is set amongst camphor and Judas trees. Within this garden you'll find arches, fountains, sculpted capitals, gargoyles and other grotesque figures dating from the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
This chap is looking a little worse for wear.
26 January 2010
34th Festival of Circus - the Lioness
25 January 2010
34th Festival of Circus - the Princess
Princess Stephanie is the President of the Monte Carlo Festival of Circus and takes a very hands-on approach. Her love of circus is evident and she's always around making sure everything is running properly and checking on the welfare of the animals. Always dressed smartly yet casually and normally in black as you see here, except for the big dress-up occasions of course.
Yesterday was the last day of the circus - just one more photo to show you tomorrow. Then we'll go back to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
24 January 2010
34th Festival of Circus - the Elephant Girl
23 January 2010
34th Festival of Circus - the Dogs
The dog in the main photo and below is a Newfoundland and the one standing on a bale of straw (left) is a mix of some sort.
22 January 2010
34th Festival of Circus - the Sea Lions - 2
This trainer put on a little act for the kids, allowing one sea lion at a time out of the pool area - to run riot. They loved it - including the grown up kid who took these photos.
21 January 2010
34th Festival of Circus - the Sea Lions
These two are posing with a friend of the trainer - he's the guy (small pic) with his back to us with the curly hair.
Note: if you pose with a sea lion you get wet!
20 January 2010
34th Festival of Circus - the Elephant's Trunk
19 January 2010
34th Festival of Circus - the Lion King
It's the 34th Festival of Circus, one of the most prestigious events in the circus calendar.
Each day, in the area outside the circus tent in Fontvieille you can wander around looking at the animals taking the sun and being cleaned and fed. This year, lions, elephants, sealions and horses were spending their spare time looking at us whilst we looked at them.
The lions, one of whom you see here, were all in beautiful condition and in enormous runs with raised benches allowing this magnificent Lion King to look down on us. He is one of the troupe of lions trained by Martin Lacey Junior.
You can read about animals in circuses HERE - words from a meeting presided over by Princess Stephanie of Monaco.
18 January 2010
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild - the Salon Louis XVI
The Villa has been owned, since 1991, by the Académie des Beaux Arts of the Insititute de France. It is under the management of Culturespaces, which has overseen its development with the support of the Académie des Beaux Arts, the Conseil Général des Alpes Maritimes, the Association des Amis de la Villa and a number of patrons. The Louis XVI Room has only recently been completely restored and you can read and see photos of the restoration HERE.
There are many more photos to show you of this stunning villa and gardens but tomorrow we take a short break - a few days in Monaco to show you something else. We'll be back here tho soon.
17 January 2010
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild - the Japanese Garden
16 January 2010
15 January 2010
Theme Day: Best Photo of 2009
The smaller shot shows kids on a new ride on the port at Christmas. They are zipped into a ball and then roll themselves around the course where they have snow, sea, tempest and sand to contend with, yet all within the safety of their magical cocoon. You could say they are having a ball!
To see the Best Photosof 2009 from around the world - what a treat today will be! - click here to view thumbnails for all participants.
14 January 2010
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild - the Spanish Garden
13 January 2010
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild - the Florentine Garden
12 January 2010
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild - the Dogs
The dog is the main photo represents a Cavalier King Charles spaniel - looking not very pretty - and the other is perhaps a bichon.
Note the Aubusson carpet. This room overlooks the harbour of Villefranche.
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