Feast of Sainte Dévote 2025 in Monaco

On January 26 and 27, Monaco celebrates the Feast of Sainte Devote, honoring its patron saint, a young martyr from 4th-century Corsica. The highlight of the day is the burning of a boat at the Saint Devote Chapel, symbolizing the legend of the saint. This solemn yet vibrant event often includes a torchlight procession attended by the Prince and Princess of Monaco, reflecting its deep cultural and religious significance.

Schedule of Events

Each year on January 26, a ceremonial boat burning takes place in the presence of Monaco's Sovereign Prince, the Princely family, and residents of the Principality, followed by a fireworks display at Port Hercules. On the morning of January 27, a pontifical mass is celebrated at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate by the Archbishop of Monaco, attended by the Sovereign Prince. The celebration concludes with a solemn procession, offering blessings to the Palace, the City, and the Sea.

Origins

The Feast of Sainte Dévote originates from the "Legend of Saint Dévote," preserved in a medieval document. According to the legend, Dévote, a young Christian from Corsica, was martyred around 303–304 AD under the rule of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian by the prefect Barbarus. Her followers secretly retrieved her body and placed it in a boat, which was carried to Monaco. There, it was buried on January 27 of the same year in a chapel in the Gaumates valley near the port. In the 17th century, Sainte Dévote was declared the patron saint of Monaco.