On Sunday, January 26 and Monday, January 27, the celebrations of Sainte-Dévote, Patron Saint of Monaco, the Princely Family, and the Diocese of Monaco will take place.
The Principality honors its patron saint, Sainte Devote on January 27th, each year – Here is the program of festive events as well as a brief history of this holiday.
The legend
One of Monaco’s oldest and most cherished traditions, the Sainte Dévote festivities are deeply woven into the nation’s culture, influencing religion, art, history and literature. The celebration dates back centuries, rooted in the legend of Saint Dévote, a young Christian martyr from Corsica in the early 4th century.
According to tradition, In 304, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, a devout young Christian girl was martyred by Barbarus, the consul governing Corsica. According to legend, her body was placed on a boat guided by a dove through a storm, eventually coming to rest on the beach of the Gaumates valley at the base of Monaco’s port. There, her body was buried in a small chapel nearby.
The monks who settled in this area, unaware of the martyr’s name, called her “Dei Vota,” meaning “God’s Chosen.” Over time, Saint Dévote became the focus of reverence due to the numerous miracles attributed to her relics.
One story recounts that sailors, lured by the relics’ sacred power, attempted to steal them and escape by sea. However, a fierce opposing wind arose, trapping them in the port. The Monegasques captured the thieves and recovered the relics. To prevent future desecration, the stolen boat was burned on the beach—a tradition still honored today as part of Monaco’s celebrations of Sainte Dévote.
According to tradition, her body was laid to rest in a chapel near the port, now the site of annual tributes. Sainte Dévote was declared Monaco’s patron saint in the 17th century under Prince Honoré II, and her feast has since held a special place in the hearts of Monegasques.
The program
Events begin on January 26th with the ceremonial burning of a symbolic boat at Port Hercule, attended by the Sovereign Prince, the Princely Family, and local dignitaries. The tradition, dating back to 1874, symbolizes the saint’s journey and is followed by a spectacular drone display.
On January 27, the official feast day, a solemn Mass is celebrated at Monaco’s Cathedral, attended by the Princely Family, government officials, and the public. The day continues with a grand procession, where Saint Devote’s relics are carried through Monaco-Ville, accompanied by the Archconfraternity of Mercy and the Prince’s Carabiniers. Stops at key locations include blessings for the Princely Family, Monaco’s people, the sea, and fishermen.
For centuries, these celebrations have united Monaco’s community, preserving a unique blend of faith, tradition, and cultural pride.
January 26
- 6:30 p.m.: Broadcast of the procession of the Relics of Saint Devota
- 7 p.m.: Broadcast of the Salutation of the Most Holy Sacrament
- Around 7:45 p.m.: Broadcast of the boat burning
- From 8:15 p.m.: 8-minute drone show, retracing the key moments in the life of Saint Devote: from her faith to her death, including her ordeal, and ending with her canonization with a Praise Sanctus.
January 27
- 10 a.m.: Monaco Cathedral: Pontifical Mass presided over by HE Mgr Paul Gallagher, followed by the procession of the Relics on the Rock
- 6:30 p.m.: Monaco Cathedral: “Mozart” candlelight spiritual concert by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra.
For more information, visit: www.saintedevotemonaco.com
