CHOKOLASHOW®, When Chocolate Becomes Art

The second edition of CHOKOLASHOW® successfully came to a close, marking once again a multisensory event that transformed chocolate into a universal language of emotion, beauty, and generosity.

Held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Embassy of Italy in Monaco, CHOKOLASHOW® 2025 left an indelible mark on the cultural and philanthropic landscape of the Principality.

Guided by the founder and creator of the format, journalist Maria Bologna, eight international artists — Patrick Bibal, Toni Belfatto, Luca Bestetti, Monica Di Rocco, Ilham El Jadaoui, Fabienne Henry, Manou (Emanuela Vavassori)and Patrizia A. Salles — brought to life a unique sensory journey. Their works — eight chocolate panels sculpted into true masterpieces — reinterpreted Monaco’s nautical symbols, celebrating the profound bond between the sea, nature, and the human spirit.

The CHOKOLASHOW® 2025 Trophy was awarded to Toni Belfatto from Abruzzo. A total of €9,300 was raised through the charity auction, which will be entirely donated to eight associations drawn by lot directly by the Sovereign of Monaco during the auction ceremony held on the evening of October 14.

The “CHOKOLASHOW® Village”: where chocolate becomes experience

The beating heart of the event was the first-ever “CHOKOLASHOW® Village”, set up at the Méridien Beach Plaza. Tastings, meetings, and workshops transformed chocolate into a shared experience, blending science, pleasure, art, and altruism into a symphony of emotions.

As planned, the final evening was graced by the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, who visited the Village and conversed with artists and guests. Welcomed by the organizers during the exclusive cocktail event on October 14, the Sovereign showed great interest in the chocolate artworks and, after personally congratulating each artist for the originality and quality of their work, greeted sponsors and representatives of the beneficiary associations, expressing his appreciation for the initiative.

During his visit, the Prince received a refined three-dimensional artwork created by young artist Giorgia Tessarollo, a gesture that was warmly appreciated. The symbolic moment of signing the second chocolate ingot — the first having been decorated with nearly 4 carats of diamonds, set in a resin sculpture created by Caffaro Rore, a jeweler from Ivrea — sealed the connection between creativity and solidarity, embodying the spirit of the event.

The charity auction, conducted by Wannenes Maison d’Enchères, raised €9,300, entirely donated to the associations supported 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.

An additional award, a crystal artwork by sculptor Antoine Pierini, was offered by Passion Sea in support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

The original portrait of the Sovereign, created by artist Marcos Marín to announce the theme of CHOKOLASHOW® 2026 (dedicated to the Grimaldi dynasty), was then signed by the Prince and gifted to Riccardo De Caria, main patron of the evening and long-time supporter of the initiative.

Art, taste, and emotion

Another highlight was the Public Choice Award, assigned to Toni Belfatto with around 150 votes for his intense and visionary work. Valentina Trassy, winner of the previous edition, presented him with the CHOKOLASHOW® Trophy, which she personally crafted by sculpting a block of cocoa paste. In keeping with tradition, Belfatto will now create the trophy for next year’s winner. This emotional moment lit up the room, reminding everyone that the truest form of art is the one capable of moving hearts.

The gastronomic dinner amazed all guests. Thanks to the coordination of Antonio Fochi (Vice President of Slow Food Monaco–Côte d’Azur) and the exotic plant décor curated by Gruppo Giardini of Alessandro De Francesco, Chef Laurent Colin masterfully celebrated the infinite nuances of cocoa in a poetic and engaging culinary journey.

Selected wines and beverages offered by sponsors — Champagne Eric Legrand, Distilleries et Domaines de Provence, Primo Rosso Belvedere IGT, and Barolo Chinato Vajra — were especially appreciated, as was the tequila provided by Frenk, a venue located in the Fontvieille district that, for the occasion, created alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocoa-based cocktails during the two-day event, winning over guests with creativity and perfect flavor balance.

The Monaco International Hub Association also offered all participants a gift bag containing ganache filled with Parmigiano cream, specially produced by I Portici chocolaterie of Salsomaggiore on the initiative of Azienda Agricola Segarati di Marenghi Marino, who presented this new product in Monaco as a tribute to Princess Charlène.

There were also gianduiotti and cremini offered by Ziccat (Turin), numerous Piedmontese cri-cri, a chocolate creation by Boutique Atelier 45 of Fossombrone (PU), and finally a “Bacio di Sanremo” offered to every guest by the historic Pasticceria San Romolo.

All artists received gifts and prizes at the end of the evening from sponsors and guests. Among the most notable was a custom chocolate sculpture created for CHOKOLASHOW® and presented by Gerardo Di Maio, organizer of the international beauty contest “The Look of the Year”, who awarded it to Miss Italy 2023, Francesca Bergesio. Di Maio also announced that the final of The Look of the Year will be held in the same hall of the Méridien Beach Plazaon November 16, 2025.

Art, partnerships, and future

Several partners offered original and refined gifts to the participating artists. The L&L Salon by Lidia Tudisco provided an exclusive spa treatment for hair, a true wellness moment, while Casa Amodio restaurant, which created cocoa-infused mozzarella for the occasion, impressed the audience with its gastronomic audacity.

Agriland, represented by Enrico Bardini, presented not only its signature marrons glacés and exceptional jams but also a delightful tasting of various cocoa varieties — soon to be launched to the public under the Agricacao brand.

At the end of the evening, La Bottega del Gelato by Claudio Rossi and Gruppo Miro presented all artists with a box of personalized chocolates to commemorate CHOKOLASHOW® 2025, along with an official invitation to the next edition.

The musical highlight of the evening was Awana Gana, who performed live with his guitar, creating an atmosphere of warmth and emotion.

CHOKOLASHOW® continues to grow, uniting artists, sponsors, institutions, and the public in a project that transforms chocolate into a universal language of beauty, emotion, and altruism.

The evening ended to the notes of Awana Gana, accompanying the final toast in an atmosphere of deep gratitude. CHOKOLASHOW® reaffirmed itself not just as an event, but as an act of love — a bridge between art and solidarity.

The third edition, scheduled between October and November 2026, will pay tribute to the Grimaldi dynasty, a symbol of elegance, continuity, and dedication to culture and humanity.