Monaco’s cherished Saint-Jean festivities officially began on Monday evening, with Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella witnessing the ceremony from the palace’s balcony.

The century-old celebration took place at Place du Palais. The square, filled with locals and tourists alike at 9p.m., buzzed with anticipation for the dramatic ‘batafoegu’ – the traditional lighting of the bonfire that marks the beginning of the two-day Saint-Jean’s festivities and Monaco’s tribute to the summer solstice.

The ceremony began with a solemn blessing by a priest, who invoked the ancient symbolism of light conquering darkness. As the fire ignited, the crowd observed in collective awe, the flames reaching higher by the second.

Following the lighting of the bonfire, La Palladienne dancers took to the floor, performing beloved folkloric dances in front of the Princely family, who clapped graciously and offered congratulations after each performance. Before the evening concluded, the dancers made their way to the towering bonfire, gracefully dancing around it, with spectators closely following their every move.

Municipal councillors and flag bearers were also in attendance, alongside Mayor Georges Marsan, representing La Mairie which organised the evening’s festivities. Everything appeared meticulously coordinated — from the safe positioning of spectators and the timing of the ceremony to the fire department’s presence near the bonfire, standing by as a precaution.

The second day of celebration will take part on Tuesday at Place de Moulins, where the Saint-Jean traditions will continue, beginning at 7p.m.

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Main photo by Monaco Life