Every summer, thousands of people from all over the region yearn to see unique and beautiful fireworks at the Port Hercule. Monaco's international fireworks festival Art en Ciel is a free event taking place over four weekends in late July and early August. It is a competition, and the winner gets a chance to show their masterpiece on the evening preceding the National Day of Monaco, which falls on November 18th. This competition has been taking place since the 1960th when it was first organized.
Where and when to see the show
Pyrotechnic specialists from around the world want to demonstrate their talents there. Traditionally, the fireworks begin when it’s already dark. Two fireworks launches in July are scheduled at 10pm, and two launches in August occur at 9.30 pm. The public can attend free concerts before and after the show. Live music starts at 8.30 pm and 10:20 during July edition of the festival and at 8 and 9.50 pm in August.
Visitors can find numerous spots to enjoy the view. The most popular locations include restaurants and cafes around Port Hercule, Quai Antoine, the palace area, and the walls of Fort Antoine. Fireworks are usually launched from a semi-floating dike at Quai Rainier III. Each show lasts about 20 minutes.
Art en Ciel History
Art en Ciel was founded by the Monaco Town Hall in 1966 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Monte-Carlo district. The first award-winning competition created in the French Riviera gathers pyrotechnics of different nationalities. In 1996, music was added to the show, and a powerful sound system was installed to cover the area of the whole of Port Hercule.
The Jury
The Jury of the competition usually consists of Town Council members and representatives of the community. The Mayor of Monaco or one of his deputies usually chairs the Jury. The organizer of the competition is Espace Léo Ferré. The general public can also vote through the official website of the competition, and the winner gets a Public Prize award. Every five years, award-winners of Art en Ciel come back to Monaco for an epic Winners Competition.
