{"id":31967,"date":"2026-06-23T08:17:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T06:17:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/montecarloliving.com\/?p=31967"},"modified":"2026-06-22T13:19:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T11:19:42","slug":"saint-jean-festival-in-monaco-2026-tradition-batafoegu-and-celebrations-between-place-du-palais-and-place-des-moulins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/montecarloliving.com\/en\/actuality\/saint-jean-festival-in-monaco-2026-tradition-batafoegu-and-celebrations-between-place-du-palais-and-place-des-moulins-31967\/","title":{"rendered":"Saint-Jean Festival in Monaco 2026: Tradition, \u201cBatafoegu\u201d and Celebrations Between Place du Palais and Place des Moulins"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Principality of Monaco is preparing to celebrate the F\u00eate de la Saint-Jean, one of the most important popular traditions in the local calendar, with two days of free events scheduled for June 23 and 24, 2026.<\/p>\n

Organized by the Municipality of Monaco together with the Saint-Jean Club, the celebration blends religious symbolism, folklore and community participation, turning the city centre into a vibrant open-air festival.<\/p>\n

\n

June 23 at Place du Palais: first \u201cBatafoegu\u201d and traditional dances<\/h2>\n

The celebrations begin on Tuesday, June 23 in Place du Palais, one of the most iconic locations in the Principality.<\/p>\n

After a private ceremony at the Chapelle Palatine, around 7:30 p.m. the traditional \u201cbatafoegu\u201d will take place \u2014 the lighting of the Saint John bonfire, a symbolic ritual representing purification and renewal.<\/p>\n

The evening continues with folk dances performed by the La Palladienne group, showcasing Monaco\u2019s traditional cultural heritage.<\/p>\n

\n

June 24: historic parade and main celebration at Place des Moulins<\/h2>\n

The second day, Wednesday June 24, will be held at Place des Moulins with an even richer programme.<\/p>\n

At 7:20 p.m., a traditional parade will begin featuring municipal representatives, cultural associations, folk groups and community organizations. As tradition dictates, the procession will be led by the young Saint John and his sheep.<\/p>\n

Participants include the Municipal Music Band, the U Cantin d\u2019A Roca choir, La Palladienne dancers, and the Portuguese Folklore Association of Monaco, invited for the 2026 edition.<\/p>\n

\n

Religious ceremony and second \u201cBatafoegu\u201d<\/h2>\n

At 7:30 p.m., a religious service will be held at the Church of Saint-Charles, marking the spiritual heart of the celebration.<\/p>\n

Later, at 8:15 p.m., the festivities continue with a second \u201cbatafoegu\u201d at Place des Moulins, accompanied by live music and traditional performances.<\/p>\n

The combination of fire ritual, music and dance creates a unique atmosphere deeply rooted in Monaco\u2019s cultural identity.<\/p>\n

\n

Traffic information and practical details<\/h2>\n

Temporary traffic measures will be in place during the celebrations:<\/p>\n