One day until Monaco's National Day!

Monaco's National Day is also known as "Sovereign's Day" or the "Prince's Festival". The current Sovereign, H.S.H. Prince Albert II, is heir to the world's oldest reigning dynasty. National Day is an important occasion for the Principality, during which the people of the country show their attachment to the Sovereign Prince and his family.

"Sovereign's Day" traditionally falls on the patron saint's day of the reigning Prince. The father of Prince Albert II, namely Prince Rainier III, broke with tradition by choosing the date of his enthronement, 19 November, which is also the feast day of Rainier d'Arezzo. In memory of his father, Prince Albert II kept the same date, ensuring Monaco's National Day always falls on the same day.

This evening, as part of the National Day celebrations, there will be a special drone display at 8 pm in the sky above the Prince's Palace,  an aerial ballet lasting 12 minutes to commemorate the centenary of the death of Prince Albert I. The light show already proved a big hit with the audience last year.

Tomorrow's programme of events gets under way at 9.30 am with the traditional thanksgiving mass and a Te Deum at Monaco Cathedral,  followed by the awarding of rank insignias and medals in the Cour d’Honneur of the Prince's Palace, the presentation of arms and a military parade on the Place du Palais, and an appearance by the Princely Family on the balcony, to salute the people.

For a National Day in local colours, La Condamine Market will be inviting visitors to taste some local specialities from 8.30 am to 2 pm, with giant fish stew prepared at lunchtime and musical entertainment fom 7 pm to 10.30 pm.

Viva u Principu!!
Viva Munegu!!

©Philippe Fitte / Benjamin Vergély /Michael Alesi - Communications Department  / DR