Monaco marked its annual tribute to Saint Devota on Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27 with two days of ceremonies that blended devotion, heritage and public participation, reaffirming the central place of the Principality’s patron saint in Monegasque life. The celebrations were organised through close coordination between Monaco Town Hall, the Princely Government and the Diocese of Monaco, with municipal services once again playing a key role behind the scenes.
The commemorations opened on Monday, January 26, with a Mass celebrated in the Monegasque language at the Church of Saint Devota, setting a tone of tradition and continuity. Later in the day, the relics of the saint were carried in procession from the Grand Prix chicane to the church, drawing residents and visitors alike. The evening reached its most symbolic moment following the solemn Vespers, when Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, accompanied by Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, joined Mayor Georges Marsan and members of the Municipal Council on Quai Albert I to light the ceremonial boat — a powerful gesture that remains one of the most anticipated moments of the festivities.
This year’s celebrations also highlighted Monaco’s longstanding ties with its twin towns. Delegations from Lucciana in Corsica and Dolceacqua in Italy took part, contributing to a shared atmosphere of friendship and cultural exchange. Corsican songs and performances by the Municipal Band accompanied the proceedings, while large screens allowed the public to follow the events in real time. The first evening concluded with a drone display tracing key episodes from the life of Saint Devota, offering a modern visual interpretation of a centuries-old story.
The following day, Tuesday, January 27, the official feast day of Saint Devota, began with a pontifical Mass at Monaco Cathedral. The service was attended by the Princely Couple, senior representatives of Monegasque institutions, Mayor Georges Marsan and members of the Municipal Council. After the traditional procession of the relics, participants gathered at Town Hall for a reception bringing together institutional figures, visiting delegations and members of the local community.
During the reception, Mayor Marsan underlined the enduring bond between the Monegasque people and their patron saint, emphasising the responsibility of the municipality in safeguarding traditions that help shape the Principality’s collective identity.
The celebrations conclude this evening with a candlelit spiritual concert at Monaco Cathedral, attended by the Princely Couple. The programme brings together the Choir of Sartène, the Choir of the Papal Chapel of Assisi and the Children’s Choir of the Rainier III Academy, closing the 2026 Saint Devota festivities on a note of reflection and shared heritage.
