Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Saint Dévote (or Devota) is the patron saint of Monaco & Corsica. Dévote was a 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 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 Royal family who participated in some or all of the celebrations
2026-2029
| Royal | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince’s Family | ||||
| Prince Albert | X | – | – | – |
| Princess Charlene | X | – | – | – |
| Crown Prince Jacques | X | – | – | – |
| Princess Gabriella | X | – | – | – |
| Extended Family | ||||
| Princess Caroline | – | – | – | |
| Louis Ducruet | – | – | – | |
| Melanie Antoinette De Massy | X | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – | |
Notes:
2021-2025
| Royal | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince’s Family | |||||
| Prince Albert | x | ||||
| Princess Charlene | x | x | |||
| Crown Prince Jacques | x | ||||
| Princess Gabriella | x | ||||
| Extended Family | |||||
| Princess Caroline | x | ||||
| Louis Ducruet | x | ||||
| Melanie Antoinette De Massy | x | ||||
Notes:
- 2022 – Princess Charlene was unable to attend as she was 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.
Royal Wedding Tradition
Brides in Monaco often leave their bouquet of flowers at Alter of the Virgin at the Chapel of Saint Dévote.
A number of Monaco Royal brides have participated in this tradition, including:
- Princess Grace (1956)
- Princess Charlene (2011)
Some brides opted instead of leave their bouquet at the Chapel of Mercy. This chapel is within walking distance of The Prince’s Palace.
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