Students embrace Monegasque language in 2025 national competition

MONACO – Nearly 2,000 students across the Principality are taking part in the 2025 Monegasque Language Competition, reinforcing Monaco’s commitment to preserving its unique linguistic and cultural heritage. This long-standing event has become a key date on the national educational calendar, helping to pass on the Monegasque language to younger generations.

This year, 1,911 students are participating in the competition—a slight drop from 1,919 in 2024, but still a strong sign of continued enthusiasm for the local language. The initiative is jointly led by Monaco Town Hall, the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports (DENJS), and the National Committee of Monegasque Traditions, showcasing broad institutional support.

The competition began with written exams held on Monday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 14. These took place at various schools throughout the Principality, including Collège Charles III and the François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré Institution. Students from CM2 (final year of primary school) to Terminale (final year of secondary school) were tested on their reading and writing skills in Monegasque.

The top-performing students will advance to the oral examination round, scheduled from Monday, June 2 to Friday, June 6. These oral exams will be hosted at Monaco’s Town Hall and are open only to students who qualified through the written tests.

The competition serves more than just academic goals—it plays a vital role in safeguarding Monaco’s national identity. Teaching and celebrating the Monegasque language ensures that cultural roots remain strong in an increasingly globalized world.

Winners will be honored during an official ceremony on Monday, June 16, in the Cour d’Honneur of the Town Hall. The event is expected to attract families, educators, and cultural leaders, marking the close of a celebration that continues to unite generations around Monaco’s treasured linguistic legacy.

This competition highlights not only the importance of language education but also Monaco’s ongoing dedication to cultural preservation, community pride, and national unity.