As the cultural heartbeat of Europe continues to pulse with the rhythms of tradition and innovation, two recent initiatives—one in Italy’s Trentino region and the other in the Principality of Monaco—shine a light on the evolving landscape of language and heritage preservation. Both regions are embracing a future that honors their past, with fresh policies, educational programs, and community engagement at the core of their approach.
In Trentino, anticipation is building for the Provincial Conference for Culture, slated for Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the historic Sala Depero at Palazzo della Provincia. According to an official announcement published on September 9, 2025, Francesca Gerosa, the region’s Culture Assessor, will take center stage to present the much-awaited Notes on the new Guidelines for cultural policies. The event is open to all cultural stakeholders and interested citizens, signaling a commitment to transparency and collective input in shaping Trentino’s cultural future.
But the engagement does not end when the conference adjourns. Attendees and the wider public are invited to submit their observations and feedback on the new guidelines until September 25, 2025. Feedback can be sent via email to [email protected], with the subject line “Notes on the Guidelines for the cultural policies of the Autonomous Province of Trento.” This open-door approach, as highlighted in the official release, underscores the province’s belief that effective cultural policy is best shaped in dialogue with the community it serves.
Meanwhile, hundreds of kilometers to the south, Monaco is reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding the monegasco—or munegascu—language, a cornerstone of the principality’s Mediterranean and Ligurian heritage. As reported by Monaco Tribune on September 9, 2025, the principality has redoubled its efforts to ensure the transmission of this identity-rich language, even as its daily use remains limited. For those intrigued by the language—like Lucien, an English-speaking reader who recently arrived from overseas—Monaco offers a practical guide to learning and engaging with monegasco in 2025.
Education is the bedrock of Monaco’s language preservation strategy. Monegasque students begin learning the language in primary school and continue up to the third class, with the option to pursue it further from the second year onward. Each year, the municipality, the National Education, Youth and Sports Directorate (DENJS), and the National Committee for Monegasque Traditions organize a spirited contest to keep the language alive. The competition features written tests in May, oral exams in June, and culminates in an official award ceremony attended by none other than Prince Albert II himself.
“It’s a great way to introduce monegasco to young people and often to their families who help them review,” explained Isabelle Albanese, the coordinator of monegasco teachers, in a statement to Monaco Tribune. The contest not only motivates students but also strengthens the bond between generations, drawing parents and grandparents into the learning process.
For adults eager to connect with their linguistic roots or simply curious about the language, Monaco has provided free courses since 1981. The National Committee for Monegasque Traditions, in partnership with the Académie des Langues Dialectales, offers lessons to beginners and advanced learners alike. Registration opens in October, and classes are held at the Académie’s headquarters at 18 avenue des Castelans, led by experienced teachers in collaboration with the DENJS.
Monaco’s Mediateca, a treasure trove of cultural resources, is home to foundational texts such as Canticu a Santa Devota by Louis Notari (1927), Grammatica monegasca by Louis Frolla (1960), and the Dizionario francese-monegasco by Louis Barral (1983). More recent works, like Stefano Lusito’s 2023 anthology and the 2025 poetry collection U Libru d’i aujeli, reflect the living, breathing nature of the language. Each year, a calendar in monegasco—the calendari—is published, featuring texts translated into French and often spotlighting local historical figures or themes. (A quick note for researchers: the Mediateca will be closed from September 20 to December 11, 2025, so plan your visits accordingly.)
But what about those outside Monaco’s borders? According to Jean-Philippe Vinci, Director of National Education, Youth and Sports, “There are still no structured courses in monegasco abroad.” However, the Académie des Langues Dialectales maintains active collaborations with institutions in Liguria and Genoa, and has initiated joint projects with schools in France, Catalonia, and Occitania. Albanese added, “With the students, we have carried out projects in collaboration with a Catalan school in Perpignan and an Occitan school in Orange. We have also participated in seminars on dialects and their teaching.”
For language enthusiasts living abroad, self-study and digital resources offer the most viable path. The National Committee for Monegasque Traditions’ website provides downloadable teaching materials, dictionaries, and even a bespoke monegasco font. Amateur sites like munegascu.free.fr supply vocabulary lists, while language exchange apps and online forums connect learners with native speakers. Although these tools can’t replace guided instruction, they provide a valuable immersion into the language’s unique sounds and quirks.
Anyone looking to delve deeper is encouraged to contact the National Committee for Monegasque Traditions or the Académie des Langues Dialectales directly. Both institutions regularly publish new works, organize seminars, and serve as guardians of Monaco’s linguistic heritage. As Monaco Tribune points out, these organizations are “a key element in protecting the linguistic heritage of the Principality.”
Back in Trentino, the upcoming conference is more than just a procedural gathering—it’s a call to action for everyone invested in the region’s cultural vitality. With the opportunity to submit feedback until September 25, the provincial government is making it clear: the future of Trentino’s culture is a shared responsibility. This participatory approach stands in contrast to top-down policy-making, inviting a chorus of voices to contribute to the region’s cultural chorus.
In both Monaco and Trentino, the message is unmistakable: preserving and promoting cultural identity requires more than nostalgia. It demands proactive policies, inclusive education, and a willingness to adapt to changing times. Whether through a public conference or a classroom contest, these regions are proving that heritage can thrive when communities come together to shape its future.
As the calendar turns toward autumn, the people of Trentino and Monaco find themselves at a crossroads—one where tradition meets innovation, and where the past is not just remembered, but actively woven into the fabric of everyday life.
