On October 14th, 2025, the Principality of Monaco shimmered with light, grace, and the irresistible aroma of fine cocoa. Within the sophisticated setting of the Méridien Beach Plaza, the CHOKOLASHOW 2025 Gala unfolded, a celebration where art, emotion, and philanthropy intertwined in an evening of pure enchantment.
By Koly Setten
Held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, this second edition elevated chocolate into a universal language of beauty and generosity, a symbol of connection that transcends borders and speaks directly to the heart.
L’Officiel Monaco had the privilege of attending this exceptional soirée, where elegance became an act of kindness and charity shone with the radiance of refined luxury.
Guests were immersed in a multi-sensory journey curated by eight internationally acclaimed artists: Patrick Bibal, Toni Belfatto, Luca Bestetti, Monica Di Rocco, Ilham El Jadaoui, Fabienne Henry, Manou (Emanuela Vavassori) and Patrizia A. Salles; guided by the poetic vision of Artistic Director Maria Bologna.
Their creations, eight sculpted chocolate masterpieces inspired by Monaco’s nautical heritage, transformed taste into emotion and craftsmanship into art. Each piece captured the eternal dialogue between sea and light, a heartfelt tribute to the Principality’s soul.
At the heart of CHOKOLASHOW, the Chocolate Village extended the experience with refined tastings, interactive workshops, and sensory performances, uniting pleasure, science, and altruism in perfect harmony. Yet it was the Gala evening itself that embodied the highest expression of elegance, where luxury met purpose and creativity became compassion.
The arrival of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco marked the most anticipated moment of the night. With his characteristic grace and sincerity, the Prince warmly engaged with artists and guests before signing the second chocolate ingot, a symbolic gesture sealing the bond between art, generosity, and humanity.
An exquisite charity auction, conducted by Wannenes Maison d’Enchères, followed, raising €9,300 in support of eight associations backed by International Monaco Hub: Action Innocence, Fight Aids Monaco, Fondation Flavien, Les Enfants de Frankie, Association de Bienfaisance Eugenio Benedetti Gaglio, Société Protectrice des Animaux de Monaco (SPA), Monaco International Hub, and AVIP – Association monégasque d’Aide aux Victimes et aux Personnes vulnérables.
Eight causes, eight stories and one heart beating for solidarity.
The evening continued with an exceptional gala dinner created by Antonio Fochi, Vice-President of Slow Food Monaco-Côte d’Azur, together with Chef Laurent Colin, who transformed cocoa into a culinary symphony of refinement and sensuality. During the dinner, the Crystal Cup offered by Passion Sea was presented, a luminous emblem of the connection between art, the sea, and sustainability. The Public Award was presented to Toni Belfatto for his deeply expressive and visionary work, handed over by Valentina Trassy, winner of the previous edition, a moment of sincere emotion that illuminated the room with admiration and grace.
As the final notes of Awana Gana floated through the night and champagne glasses clinked beneath Monaco’s starlit sky, a lingering scent of cocoa filled the air, not merely the fragrance of chocolate, but of generosity itself. A reminder that true luxury lies in giving, not in having. CHOKOLASHOW once again proved that it is far more than an event: it is an act of love, a bridge between art and humanity, and a declaration that beauty, when shared, holds the power to change the world.
The next edition, scheduled between October and November 2026, will pay tribute to the Grimaldi dynasty, celebrating timeless elegance, continuity, and the Principality’s enduring commitment to culture and compassion.
With great pride, L’Officiel Monaco supports the vision of Monaco International Hub, where chocolate transcends mere pleasure to become a universal message of kindness, artistry, and unity.
Because true sweetness is not tasted; it is shared.
Photo Credits: médiathèque Palais Princier