When is Monaco National Day?
This public holiday in Monaco is celebrated on November 19th. If November 19th is a Sunday, the public holiday will be observed on the following Monday.
Also known as 'H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince's Day' or 'La Fête du Prince' in French, this holiday is the National Day of Monaco and marks the official ascension of Prince Albert II to the throne on this day in 2005.
History of Monaco National Day
The tradition of a Monégasque National Day began during the reign of Prince Charles III in the second half of the nineteenth century. The date for National Day could change depending on the reigning Prince, and the day of the saint they were named after was the usual custom.
The Journal de Monaco coined the term “National Day” in 1923.
On November 19th 1949 Prince Rainier III acceded to the throne, and Rainier of Arezzo was recognised as the Patron Saint of the Principality by Prince Rainier III.
During his 56-year reign, Prince Rainier III profoundly shaped Monaco, particularly from the point of view of urban development: he initiated numerous building programmes and extended the territory by a fifth by extension on the sea, which earned him the nickname of "the builder Prince".
When Prince Albert II succeeded his father in 2005, he decided to honour his father and maintain the National Day on November 19th, St. Rainier of Arezzo’s day. November 19th is a fitting date as it is also the same day of Albert II's official ascension to the throne in 2005.
The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera. It is the second smallest country in the world after Vatican City, and is the smallest country in the world with a coastline.
Prince Albert II is a member of the House of Grimaldi, which has ruled Monaco since 1297.
On this day, the tradition is that Prince Albert II carries out a presentation of medals in the Courtyard of the Palace. Then, in ceremonial costume, he attends a Mass in memory of his mother, Princess Grace, at the cathedral.
