Monégasque National Day November 19, 2007
Faithful to a tradition which goes back to 1857, the Monégasque National Holiday is now celebrated on November 19th (Saint Rainier's Day), the Saint Day of H.S.H. Prince Rainier of Monaco.
Previously, the Festival of Saint Dévote was observed as the National Holiday.
Typical National Day festivities include: a Thanksgiving Mass with a program of choice music, the conferring of honors and decorations at the Palace, a gala evening at the Opera House, treats for children and elderly people and a grand evening firework display over the harbor which all contribute to make this day of gaiety the great Festival of the Monégasque people.
Numerous traditions, which, though lapsed today but perhaps only temporarily forgotten, bore witness right up to the last century to both the religious spirit and joy of living of the Monégasques.
