Saint Dévote's Day - Monaco Annual Event

Sainte-Dévote Chapel in Monaco
Photo: Alexander Migl , CC BY-SA 4.0

Saint Dévote

Saint Dévote (or Devota) is the patron saint of Monaco & Corsica. Dévote was a Corsican woman born around 283 AD in Present-day Corsica. Corsica is a French Island near Monaco. 

Dévote was a Christian, during a time of Roman persecution. She was imprisoned, tortured & killed for her faith. After her death, her body was placed on a boat bound for Africa to prevent it from being burned and to allow her to get a proper Christian burial. 

However, a storm caused the boat to get off track. Legend says, a dove appeared and guided the boat to present-day Monaco, where a chapel dedicated to Saint George stood.

In her honor, a chapel was built in Monaco. And January 27 is celebrated as the saint's feast day.

Events

The celebrations of St. Dévote are one of Monaco's oldest traditions.

January 26th - Evening

• Short service at St. Dévote's Chapel
• Set fishing boat on fire outside St. Dévote's Chapel
• Drone Show on Port Hercule (previously fireworks)

January 27th

• Mass at Monaco Cathedral
• Procession

Royal Attendance

Members of the Monaco Roayl family who participated in some or all of the celebrations

Royal	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Prince Albert	x				-
Princess Charlene	x		x		-
Crown Prince Jacques	x				-
Princess Gabriella	x				-
Princess Caroline		x		-	-
Louis Ducruet		x		-	-
Melanie Antoinette De Massy		x			-
-				-	-

Notes: 

2022 - Princess Charlene was unable to attend due to receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. 

2023 - Prince Albert was unable to attend the public events due to Covid illness & isolation requirements. But he was able to watch the procession from the palace balcony. 

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