Sainte Dévote Festival in Monaco 2026: programme, history and celebrations of the Patron Saint

On Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 January 2026, Monaco will host the celebrations of the Sainte Dévote Festival, honoring the Patron Saint of the Principality of Monaco, the Princely Family and the Diocese of Monaco. This event represents one of the oldest and most deeply rooted traditions of the Principality, which has shaped national culture over the centuries across fields such as religion, folklore, popular beliefs, history, literature, the arts, music, numismatics and philately.

This tradition originates from the Legend of Sainte Dévote, passed down through a medieval document and holding a special place in the hearts of the Monegasque people. While historically grounded, the legend places greater emphasis on its spiritual message than on strict historical accuracy. According to the account, Dévote, a young Christian woman from Corsica, was martyred for her faith by the prefect Barbarus under the emperors Diocletian and Maximian, around 303–304 AD.

Her body, secretly taken by the faithful during the following night, was transported by sea to Monaco and buried on 27 January in a chapel located in the Gaumates valley, near the port. In the 17th century, under the reign of Honoré II, Sainte Dévote was officially proclaimed Patron Saint of Monaco.

Another legend recounts that in the 11th century, her relics were stolen by wrongdoers and taken away by boat, but the vessel was eventually caught and set ablaze. This event gave rise to the symbolic ritual of the burning of the boat (embrasement de la barque), which has been reenacted every year since 1874 in the presence of the Sovereign, the Princely Family, and Monegasque authorities.

On 27 January, the Feast Day, a pontifical Mass is celebrated at Monaco Cathedral, presided over by a religious dignitary invited by the Archbishop of Monaco. The ceremony is attended by the Princely Family, the Government, institutional representatives and numerous faithful. It is followed by the procession of the relics on the Rock, with the participation of the Penitents of the Archconfraternity of Mercy and the escort of the Prince’s Carabiniers.

The procession stops at Palace Square, where a Guard of Honour and the Orchestra of the Prince’s Carabiniers pay tribute to the Saint. The celebrations continue with solemn blessings bestowed upon the Princely Family, the city of Monaco and its population, and finally the sea and fishermen, in front of the Cathedral.

The Sainte Dévote celebrations 2026 also include liturgical, traditional and cultural events, culminating in a candlelit spiritual concert that brings together Corsican choral singing and sacred classical music, offering a moment of profound artistic and spiritual intensity.

👉 Full programme and information: www.saintedevotemonaco.com