In Casale Monferrato, as every year, the “Ballo dei 100 e non più 100” (Ball of the 100 and no more than 100) took place, now in its 36th edition, bringing people from all over the world to the ancient capital of Monferrato. This internationally renowned event, skilfully organised since 1988 by Countess Maria Loredana Pinotti degli Uberti, Consul of Portugal in San Marino, stems from a tradition that brought together 100 members of the nobility and 99 from the bourgeoisie to forge new friendships, many of which led to marriage.
Emanuele Capra (Major of Casale Monferrato) – Maria Loredana degli Uberti
Pier Felice degli Uberti
Il Ballo dei Cento e non più Cento originated in the Halls of the Philharmonic Academy, the very place where the Agrarian Congress of 1847 sparked the Italian Risorgimento. It immediately gained high regard among the Piedmontese nobility, but its importance waned over the decades, only to be revived in 1987 when the Union of Italian Nobility and the Real Asociación de Hidalgos de España decided to sponsor it, transforming it into an even more prestigious international event.
Baron of Cartsburn, Toby Crawfurd Colls and his daughter lady Amelie with Pier Felice and Maria Loredana degli Uberti, Baron and Baroness di Cartsburn
Manuel Pardo de Vera – Carlos Evaristo – Adam Berniczei Royko – Manuel Ladron de Guevara
Agnes Berniczei Royko – Maria Loredana degli Uberti – SAIR l’Archduke Josef Karl von Habsburg
Over the years, this exclusive event, preceded the day before by a conference of the Studium, Academy of Casale and Monferrato, has seen the participation of almost all members of both former and reigning sovereign houses, not only from Europe but with a global reach. The 2024 edition saw the attendance of the current mayor of Casale Monferrato, Emanuele Capra; among many others, Archduke Josef Karl of Austria, president of Historic Families of Europe; Crown Prince Leka II of the Albanians; Princess Yasmine El Senussi, great-granddaughter of the last King of Libya; Prince Mwami Yuhi VI, head of the Royal House of Rwanda; and Prince Philipp Ernst zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg accompanied by Princess Anne zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg.
Not to be forgotten were the Princes Gonzaga of Vodice di Vescovato, from the dynasty that ruled the Duchy of Mantua and Monferrato, represented by the head of the House, Maurizio, president of Historic Families of Italy, and his nephews Ferrante, Orsola, Francesco, and Giulia. The Ball of the 100 and No More than 100 is the only Italian example of the world’s most prestigious balls, such as the Rose Ball of Monte Carlo, the Paris Debutante Ball, and precisely the Ball of the 100 and No More than 100 of Casale.
Lavinia Orefici interview Giorgio Cuneo
As always, the ball was attended by many members of the Italian and international nobility, among them Prince Landolfo Ambrogio Caracciolo di Melissano accompanied by Princess Fabiana; Count Ariberto Radicati di Primeglio; Emma of the Counts Viora di Bastide, Nicoletta Corporandi of the Barons of Auvare, Ádám and Ágnes Berniczei-Roÿkó de Bernicze, Robert Boronkai, Laslo T. Kokzy de Borgo; along with the board of the Real Asociación de Hidalgos de España, including the president Don Manuel Pardo de Vera y Diaz, and Spain’s most important noble corporation, the Real Cuerpo de la Nobleza de Madrid, with various members including Don Manuel Ladron de Guevara i Isasa; the Convention of the Scottish Baronage (the feudal barons of Scotland) with the Baron of Stoneywood; the Baron and Baroness of Cartsburn; the younger of the 13th Baron of Cartsburn Toby Colls accompanied by his daughter Lady Amelia Colls, the Baron and Baroness of Mugdock, and the Baron of Blantyre. As always, the former Minister of the Czech Republic Antonin Stanek attended, accompanied by his wife Helena. Naturally, members of the Order of Vitez, known as the Order of Heroes of Hungary, were also present.
This year’s aperitif was created by Filippo Lisi with a Vernaca from Puglia, dedicated on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the title of Duke of Puglia in memory of Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, the first Duke of Puglia and later Duke of Aosta. As always, all attendees received a box of precious Krumiri Rossi offered by Anna Maria Portinaro Molghea.
On 12th October 2024, the usual edition of the Gala of Nobility will be held, featuring a conference and an important concert conducted by Maestro Leonardo Previero. Participation in the event also grants access to the events of the Circle of the 100 and No More than 100, which maintains reciprocity worldwide.
Enjoy even more @ www.100enonpiu100
Article edited by Giorgio Cuneo