The celebrations of Sainte-Dévote 2025
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.
These celebrations are part of one of the oldest traditions in the Principality of Monaco, a tradition that has permeated the national culture in various areas such as religion, folklore, popular beliefs, history, literature, arts, painting, music, numismatics, and philately.
This tradition comes from the “legend” known as the Legend of Sainte Dévote, transmitted by a medieval document. It holds a special place in the hearts of the Monégasques and is permanently attested throughout the centuries in the history of the city. Though historically based, the “legend” is a literary genre in which historical precision takes a secondary role to spiritual intent.
According to this account, Devota (Dévote), a young Christian from Corsica, was martyred by the prefect Barbarus under the emperors Diocletian and Maximian, around 303 or 304 AD. Her body was stolen by the faithful the following night, placed in a boat, brought to Monaco, and buried in a chapel in the valley called “des Gaumates,” near the port, on January 27 of the same year.
Under Honoré II, in the 17th century, Sainte Dévote became the patron saint of Monaco.
According to another legend, in the 11th century, her relics were taken by boat by criminals, who were eventually caught, and their boat was burned. Since 1874, this tradition has been carried out every year: a boat on a pyre is burned in the presence of the Sovereign and the Princely Family, accompanied by prominent Monégasque figures.
On January 27, the feast day, a pontifical mass is held at the Cathedral by a religious personality invited by the Archbishop of Monaco. The ceremony is attended by the Princely Family, the Princely Government, elected assemblies, the Corps of Officials, and many faithful. After the ceremony, a procession with the participation of the Penitents of the Archconfraternity of Mercy proceeds to the Prince’s Palace with the reliquary containing the relics, escorted by the Prince’s Carabiniers.
The procession stops at the Palace Square. A Guard of Honor and the Prince’s Carabiniers’ Orchestra pay tribute. A celebrant then blesses the Princely Family with the relics.
The procession continues towards the ramparts, where another celebrant blesses Monaco and its people.
Finally, in front of the cathedral, a final celebrant blesses the sea and the fishermen.
Learn more: www.saintedevotemonaco.com
Sainte-Dévote Celebrations
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2025
10:30 am: Sainte-Dévote Church: mass of traditions in the Monégasque language
6:00 pm: Chicane du Grand-Prix: procession of Sainte Dévote’s relics
7:00 pm: Sainte-Dévote Church: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Afterward: Quai Albert I: burning of the boat by the Princely Family.
Afterward: Drone Show
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
10:00 am: Monaco Cathedral: Pontifical Mass, Presided by H.E. Monsignor Paul-Richard GALLAGHER, Secretary for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State. Afterward, procession of the relics on the Rock.
6:30 pm: Monaco Cathedral: Candlelight Spiritual Concert “Mozart in Monaco”
Presented by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the program is once again exceptional, featuring the sacred works of the greatest composer in history.
Under the direction of Italian conductor Diego Ceretta and surrounded by the Coro del Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany clarinetist Pierre Génisson in the sublime Adagio of the Clarinet Concerto, and international soprano Emőke Baráth, who will sing the Exsultate Jubilate and the Laudamus Te from the Great Mass in C Minor. Excerpts from the Mass in C Major and the magnificent Ave Verum will be performed by various ensembles.
Accreditations:
Accreditation requests must be sent before Wednesday, January 22, 2025, to the following address: avatrican@gouv.mc
On January 26, starting at 5:00 pm, a badge will be given to you at the press area located on Quai Albert I, near the boat that will be burned.
Note:
Accreditation grants access only to the following events:
- January 26 – Quai Albert I – burning of the boat
- January 27 – exterior of the Cathedral – exit of the Princely Family
- January 27 – Palace Square – procession
Photographers’ accreditations will be in a pool format. Thank you for your understanding.
Read also: Grimaldi Forum | All Events of the 2024 Season (montecarloliving.com)
