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Monaco’s National Day or Sovereign Prince’s Day
November 19
The Monegasque National Day, also known as the Sovereign Prince’s Day or ‘La Fête du Prince’ in French, one of the most important holidays in the Principality, traditionally takes place on November 19, this year it falls on Wednesday. It is an official day off in the Principality.
“The Sovereign’s Day” is traditionally held on the day of the reigning Prince’s patron saint. Rainier III departed from this custom by choosing the day of his enthronement, 19 November, which also happens to be the celebration of Rainier d’Arezzo. In memory of his father, Prince Albert II kept the same date, thus fixing the date of Monaco’s National Festival on 19 November.
A few weeks before the celebration, streets, government institutions, offices and shops are decorated with red and white state symbols, and the Marie de Monaco encourages patriotic citizens and residents to hang national colors from their windows and balconies to demonstrate loyalty to the ruling Prince and the state.
On the evening of the 18th, spectacular fireworks light up Port Hercule, marking a moment of sharing and unity for Monegasques and visitors alike.
On the 19th, celebrations begin with Mass at Monaco Cathedral, attended by Prince Albert II and the Princely Family, followed by a military parade on the Place du Palais. Throughout the day, the city is decked out in red and white, the national colors, and the streets come alive with popular festivities.
