Chokolashow, an unexpected success with an Italian soul

Organized under the patronage of the Embassy of Italy in Monaco, the first edition of Chokolashow® was a new initiative conceived by journalist Maria Bologna, an Italian resident in the Principality of Monaco since 1998. Together with the association she presides over, the Monaco International Hub (MIH), she concluded it on May 9th, on the eve of the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, with an event hosted in the prestigious Riv tunnel, where art and chocolate resonated with charity. Indeed, Chokolashow immediately achieved the distinction not only of involving 7 young artists, including 3 from the Academy of Art in Sanremo and 4 from the Pavillon Bosio in Monaco, but also of assigning each student to a Monegasque association engaged in various charitable activities, for a total of 8 non-profit entities. As per the program, the first Chokolashow Trophy was directly presented by professional artist Belinda Bussotti.

Valentina Trassy, a third-year student at the Pavillon Bosio in Monaco, won the trophy, having received the most preferences from all the partners and collaborators participating in the initiative. The auction of the 7 sculptures (plus a special ingot), each inspired by a car competing in the 2024 Monaco Historic Grand Prix, was also a success, raising a total of 5000 euros, which will be distributed and entirely donated to the 8 associated associations through a draw directly by HSH the Prince of Monaco.

The Prince indirectly contributed to the success of Chokolashow by enthusiastically agreeing to personalize the eighth chocolate ingot, not only signing it himself, but also inviting his twins, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, whom he was accompanied by during the visit, to do the same. The Sovereign, who expressed great satisfaction with the day-long event, took the opportunity to visit the various workshops, taste various types of chocolate offered by the initiative participants, and thank the patron Riccardo de Caria, who agreed to support the project from the outset.

Lia Riva, on the other hand, was honored with the multidimensional work created by Monegasque artist Caroline Bergonzi, also made using 5 of the 12 kilos of the original chocolate ingot provided by Claudio Rossi and his suppliers. To conclude, Maria Bologna, alongside other members of MIH, unveiled the theme of the next edition of Chokolashow, which in 2025 will be dedicated to the world of yachting, of which the Principality of Monaco is a leading advocate worldwide, especially through the Monaco Yacht Show and various related activities.

“I am truly delighted with the public’s approval and the young artists who have so aptly interpreted the images of the cars that are competing these days with the Historic Monaco GP. But without the partners, friends, and all the passionate collaborators, who directly or indirectly believed in Chokolshow, nothing could have taken place in this magnificent Riva tunnel that hosted us with great care. And now, on to work for the next edition, why not, in the meantime, we could think of replicating it abroad or perhaps even in Italy. Who knows…”