Monaco is set to celebrate Sainte Dévote, its beloved patron saint, on Sunday, January 26. The annual festivities, deeply rooted in the Principality’s traditions, will include religious ceremonies, symbolic rituals, and the iconic burning of a ceremonial boat. To ensure the smooth running of these events, several safety and logistical measures will be in place.
From 17:30, security checkpoints will be established at key locations to manage access and ensure public safety. Attendees will be subject to bag inspections before entering the viewing areas. The checkpoints will be located at Place Sainte Dévote, where the procession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will take place, and on the northern section of Quai Albert Ier, where the traditional boat burning will unfold. Additionally, access to the Sainte Dévote Valley and its stairways will be restricted from 17:30, with travellers directed to use the Sainte Dévote Gallery to reach Rue Grimaldi.
Traffic will also be impacted during the celebration. The Piscine Road will be closed between Avenue J.F. Kennedy and the Jules Soccal Pier from 18:15 to 19:00. Brief traffic stoppages are expected from 18:45 to 19:45 along Boulevard Albert Ier, Avenue J.F. Kennedy, and Avenue d’Ostende to accommodate the procession and ceremonies.
Public transportation services, including urban bus routes 1, 2, 3, and 6, as well as intercity lines ZOU! 600 and 80, may experience temporary disruptions. Updates about parking access and changes will be displayed at public parking entrances to keep users informed.
The highlight of the evening will be the ceremonial burning of the boat at Quai Albert Ier, symbolising the saint’s arrival by sea and Monaco’s enduring connection to its heritage.
Image courtesy of Communications Department / Charly Gallo