Midsummer festivities or St. John’s Day festival
June 23 - June 24
As every year, the Monaco Town Hall and the Saint-Jean Club are organizing two evenings on Monday June 23 and Tuesday June 24 to celebrate Saint Jean, the festival of fire and light.
Saint-Jean is the festival of fire and light. In the Principality, the “batafoegu” (bonfire) is lit on the evening of June 23rd on the Place du Palais and on the evening of June 24th on the Place des Moulins. Folk groups including the Palladienne de Monaco and the U Cantin d’A Roca choir liven up these two evenings. These evenings are organized in collaboration with the Saint Jean Club. The “batafoegu” are preceded by a religious ceremony, in the Chapel of the Prince’s Palace and in the Church of Saint Charles.
Sunday June 23 – Place du Palais
Around 9 p.m.: following a ceremony (by invitation) in the Palatine Chapel, the “batafoegu” (burning of the bonfire) and folk dances by the dancers of La Palladienne will take place.
Monday June 24 – Place des Moulins
Around 7:00 p.m.: Departure of the traditional parade, bringing together several Municipal Councilors, Town Hall standard bearers, representatives of the Traditions Committees, Municipal Music, La Palladienne dancers, as well as the Irish dance troupe “Azur Irish Dance Azur”. As usual, little Saint John and his sheep will lead the way.
7:30 p.m.: Religious celebration at the Saint-Charles Church, animated by the songs of the U Cantin d’A Roca choir.
8:00 p.m.: Blessing, then lighting of the fire during the interpretation of the Monegasque national anthem by the Municipal Music and the singers of U Cantin d’A Roca. Aubade: Musical entertainment by U Cantin d’A Roca and traditional dances by La Palladienne and the Irish dance troupe “Azur Irish Dance Azur”.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to these demonstrations, traffic on Boulevard des Moulins and Avenue Saint-Laurent will be closed during the processions on Tuesday, June 24. Access to Place des Moulins will be restricted from 6:30 p.m. and parking will be prohibited on the square from 1 p.m.
