Saint Dévote’s Day in Monaco ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Saint Dévote’s Day in Monaco and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Saint Dévote’s Day is a religious and national holiday in Monaco. It is celebrated on December 27th, the feast day of Saint Devota, the Patron Saint of Monaco. The holiday commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Devota, who was killed in Rome in the 4th century.
A traditional part of the Saint Dévote’s Day celebration is the burning of a effigy of the Devil in Monaco’s main square, the Place du Palais. The effigy is made of straw and paper, and is usually about 2 meters tall. It is filled with firecrackers, and at the end of the day, it is set ablaze. The burning of the effigy is meant to symbolically rid Monaco of evil.
Other Saint Dévote’s Day traditions include processions and masses in honor of the saint, as well as feasts and parties. In recent years, the holiday has also become a time for Monaco to celebrate its national identity. On Saint Dévote’s Day, the Monaco flag is flown from all public buildings, and the Principality’s anthem is played.