Monaco’s cherished tradition honouring the Principality’s patron saint, Sainte Dévote, will return this coming weekend. Two days of religious ceremonies, historic rituals and cultural events, including a nighttime drone show, are being planned for the occasion.

The annual Sainte Dévote celebrations, one of the Principality’s oldest traditions, will take place on 26th and 27th January.

The story of Sainte Dévote originates in the early 4th century when Devota, a young Christian from Corsica, was martyred under the Roman Empire during the rule of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. According to legend, her body was secretly taken by fellow Christians and placed on a boat destined for Africa, but adverse winds redirected it to the shores of Monaco.

Her remains are said to have been buried in the Vallon des Gaumates, where a chapel named in her honour still stands today, on 27th January. Over time, Sainte Dévote became a symbol of faith and protection for Monaco, and she was declared the Principality’s patron saint under Honoré II in the 17th century.

One of the highlights of Monaco’s Sainte Dévote celebrations is the tradition of burning a ceremonial boat. This ritual dates back to 1874 and is inspired by another legend linked to the saint: thieves once attempted to steal her relics but were unsuccessful, and the boat used in their escape was captured and burned. This act has since been recreated as a powerful expression of faith and unity.

2025 Sainte Dévote programme

The 2025 celebrations will begin on Sunday 26th January with a traditional mass in Monegasque at the Église de Sainte-Dévote at 10.30am. Later in the day, at around 6.30pm, a procession carrying Sainte Dévote’s relics will start at the Grand Prix chicane and make its way to the chapel.

This will be followed by a Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament at 7pm. At approximately 7.45pm, the ceremonial burning of the boat will take place on Quai Albert Ier, an event presided over by the Princely family.

An eight-minute drone show will follow at 8.15pm, with the display set to illustrate key moments from the life of Sainte Dévote, including her martyrdom and canonisation.

Two public zones will be accessible for these evening events from 5.30pm: the Parvis de la Place Sainte-Dévote and Quai Albert Ier near the swimming pool. Both areas will feature large screens broadcasting the ceremonies live for better visibility.

The festivities will continue on Monday 27th January with a Pontifical Mass at Monaco Cathedral at 10am. The mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Paul-Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, and is usually well-attended by the Princely family, government officials, and key figures from the Principality.

After the service, a procession carrying Sainte Dévote’s relics will wind through Monaco Ville, stopping at the Palais Princier de Monaco for a blessing in view of the Princely family and the public. The procession will conclude at the cathedral, where a final blessing will be given to the sea and fishermen.

The day will end with a candlelit spiritual concert at 6.30pm in the cathedral. Performed by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, the concert will feature works by Mozart.

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Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco