Monaco’s annual Saint-Jean celebrations return next week with two evenings of traditional festivities open to the public, centred on the lighting of the batafoegu — the ceremonial bonfire — at the Palace Square on Tuesday 23rd June and the Place des Moulins on Wednesday 24th June.
The celebrations, organised by the Mairie de Monaco in partnership with the Saint-Jean Club, are one of the oldest traditions in the Principality and mark the midsummer feast of Saint John with fire, music and folk dance.
Tuesday 23rd June — Palace Square
The first evening begins around 7:30pm at the Place du Palais, following a private ceremony in the Palatine Chapel. The batafoegu will be lit before folk dancers from La Palladienne take to the square.
Wednesday 24th June — Place des Moulins
The main celebrations on Wednesday begin with a traditional procession departing the Place des Moulins at around 7:20pm. The parade will include several Municipal Councillors, flag bearers from the Mairie, representatives of the Committees of Traditions, the Municipal Band, dancers from La Palladienne, the U Cantin d’A Roca choir and, as a guest this year, the folk dance troupe of the Association Folklorique des Portugais de Monaco. As is customary, the procession will be led by the young Saint Jean and his lamb.
A religious ceremony takes place at the Église Saint-Charles at 7:30pm, followed by the lighting of the batafoegu on the Place des Moulins at around 8:15pm, accompanied by music from the U Cantin d’A Roca choir and traditional dancing from both La Palladienne and the Portuguese association’s troupe.
Drivers should note that boulevard des Moulins and avenue Saint-Laurent will be closed during Wednesday’s procession. Access to the Place des Moulins will be regulated from 6:30pm, and parking on the square is prohibited from 1pm.
Both evenings are free and open to all.
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Photo source: Maire de Monaco