Traditions of Monaco
A sovereign city-state whose Sainte Dévote procession and Fête Nationale are rooted in the Grimaldi family.
Monaco is a tiny state on the Mediterranean, ruled by the Grimaldi family since 1297. Its people keep the Monegasque language and customs, including the feast of Sainte Dévote on 27 January, when a boat is burnt in the harbour in memory of the patron saint's body being brought to the shore.
Sainte Dévote and National Day
The burning of the boat is followed by a procession from the church, and the cry of A Sainte Dévote. On 19 November, National Day, the Prince attends a Mass at the cathedral and receives the people in the palace courtyard. In the summer, the Fête de la Saint-Jean is celebrated with bonfires.
At the table
Barbajuan, a fried pastry of Swiss chard, rice and cheese, is the national dish, with socca, fougasse, pissaladière, and stocafi, stockfish stew. The market at Place d'Armes sells flowers, olives and cheese. Roccabruna wine and Mediterranean fish are found on the table.
Signature traditions of Monaco
Also part of it, and being written: Saint Devota (The patron saint.), Barbajuan (The pastry.), Monégasque dialect (The language.).
A trail idea for Monaco
- Place d'Armes market Taste barbajuan.
- Prince's Palace See the changing of the guard.
- Monaco Cathedral See the Grimaldi tombs.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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