Flowers come to life at the 56th Monaco International Bouquet Competition.
- M Abti
- May 9
- 4 min read
The most flowery event of the year is coming back to Monaco. A unique showroom that highlights the beauty of natural flora through human creativity. The 56th edition of the Concours International de Bouquets (Monaco International Bouquet Competition) will be the real star of the next weekend. On the 10th and the 11th May 2025, this prestigious showroom, under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and the presidency of H.R.H. Princess of Hanover, is going to make the Yacht Club de Monaco blooming. Inspired by this year's theme, "Fleurs en Mouvement" (Moving Flowers), the participants will give the best of them in terms of creativity, innovation and skilfulness, giving life to works of floral art.
By the will of the Princess of Hanover and Cecilia Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Garden Club de Monaco, organiser of this international competition, is to develop the contemporary ikebana towards an increasing sustainable approach. Environment, biodiversity and taking advantage from Nature are the main pillars of this Concours International which is increasingly attracting the attention of the general public, interested in approaching the natural world through the contemplation of flowers beauty.
This year's theme is divided in various categories which the participants, professionals, amateurs and junior (aged between 6 and 14), will be free to use as an inspiration for their free-style creations. The titles of the sub-categories are: 1. Feux d’artifice multicolores : grande dimension (Multicoloured fireworks: large dimension); 2. Le bal de la rose : décor de table (The Rose Ball: table decoration); 3. Tourbillons pastel : sur un piédestal (Pastel Swirls: on a pedestal); 4. Volutes en camaïeu : niche (Camaïeu Scrolls: niche); 5. Coup de vent dans le jardin : niche (Garden Breeze: niche); 6. Ronde de fleurs et feuilles : décor mural (Round flowers and leaves: wall decor); and 7. Farandole de fleurs, fruits et légumes : catégories « jeunes » (Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Farandole: young categories).
The final art creations will be examined by a Special Jury, chaired by H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover, and composed of relevant figures from the literary and artistic world, aimed at awarding Special Prizes, while the Official Jury, made of judges, professors, international authors and specialists in Floral Art will be in charge for the Gold, Silver, Bronze and the Grand Prix General Awards, as well as the Princess Grace of Monaco's.
A series of topical conferences and floral workshops, promoted by the Garden Club de Monaco will accompany the international flower showroom. Notably, on Sunday the 11th May, a specific rendezvous named "L'eau de fleur d'oranger" (Orange blossom water) by Murielle Iris, entrepreneur and founder of Les Sauvages, will trace the history of this species and its spread on the Eastern French Riviera, from Nice to Menton. Then, She is going to discuss on valuable products derived from citrus like the orange blossom water and oil essential, including some references to their use in medicine and wellness.
The meeting entitled "Le Jardin Exotique : un jardin botanique" (The Exotic Garden: a Botanical Garden) by Diane Ortolani, director of the Jardin Exotique (Monaco Exotic Garden), will examine the historical evolution of botanical gardens since the 16th century, with direct reference to Monaco Exotic Garden, stressing their scope and future vision.
Last but not least, a conference named "Autour de l’Olive" (Around the Olive) by Armando Spajani is going to put olive trees and olive oil on the spotlight, from the origins of the cultivation of this Mediterranean species for its incredible ability to adapt to the natural legacy and symbolism which the olive fruit brings with it.
On Sunday afternoon, a floral composition workshop by Kévin Billard, from Maison Fiori in Nice and former floral designer at the Palais Princier in Monaco will be offered to visitors.
To celebrate the Flower Show, from the 5th to the 11th May, most of the shops of the Principality are being decorating their windows with flowery ornaments, being part of a unique contest named "Monaco en Fleurs" (Monaco in Bloom) aimed at involving the Monegasque community - citizens, residents and visitors - in a nature-friendly creativity. Taking inspiration from the British «National Gardening Week» this new initiative is being involving the whole urban territory, by further increasing the visibility of the Monaco International Bouquet Competition.
The most iconic floral creations will be awarded on the 10th May 2025 by H.R.H. Princess of Hanover, after being selected by a Jury from the Garden Club de Monaco. ***
ℹ️ Free entrance - Opening hours: Saturday, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
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