H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince’s Day in Monaco
Known in Monaco as the Fête Nationale or Fête du Prince, H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince’s Day is observed on November 19. It honours the reigning prince and brings together national, religious and community ceremonies in the Principality.[1][2]
A public holiday with a Sunday rule
Monaco’s Law No. 798 of 18 February 1966 lists the celebration of the reigning prince among the Principality’s legal public holidays. It also provides that when the Prince’s Day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a legal public holiday.[3]
Law No. 800 states that legal holidays are generally compulsory paid days off for employees, subject to exceptions set out in the law. The legislation does not establish that every shop, bank or service closes, so visitors should check directly with places they plan to use.[4]
Why November 19
The date has changed during Monaco’s history. Earlier sovereigns associated their celebration with a patron saint’s day; other dates were used under Louis II and at the start of Rainier III’s reign. From 1952, the Fête Nationale was held on November 19, the anniversary of Rainier III’s accession ceremony in 1949 and the feast day chosen for Blessed Rainier of Arezzo.[1]
When Albert II became sovereign in 2005, he kept November 19 in tribute to his father. The Palace describes the day as an occasion for Monaco’s national community to celebrate its identity and traditions.[1]
Ceremonies and community events
The Palace’s account of the celebration describes honours presented by the Prince and members of his family, a parade in the Palace courtyard and a salute in the Palace square. Religious observances include a thanksgiving Mass and Te Deum at the cathedral.[1]
The programme can also include a gala evening, shows and activities for children, fireworks at the port and an amusement fair on Albert I Quay. The Palace says these festivities are organized by Monaco’s Town Hall; it also records a tradition of distributing parcels and gifts to people in need, people who are ill and older people.[1]
A Palace report on a National Day ceremony describes an awards presentation, honours and medals, the Te Deum at Monaco Cathedral, a performance by the Prince’s Carabiniers Orchestra and a military parade. The report illustrates the ceremony’s form, while individual programmes may vary.[2]
What visitors should expect
The public holiday status affects employees under Monaco’s legal framework. Check opening hours with banks, shops and government counters, and check transport schedules before you travel.[3][4]
The ceremonies and public festivities described by the Palace take place around the Palace, cathedral and port. Visitors interested in attending should consult official announcements for the event programme and any practical arrangements.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince’s Day?
Is it a day off work in Monaco?
The law generally makes legal holidays compulsory paid days off for employees, subject to exceptions in the legislation.[4]
What happens during the celebration?
Palace records describe honours, a parade, a thanksgiving Mass and Te Deum, and public festivities that can include shows, children’s activities, fireworks and a fair.[1]
Are shops, banks and public transport open?
Shops, banks and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before travelling.
Sources and references
Sources used for H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince's Day in Monaco:
- National Day celebration- Prince’s Palace of Monaco
- Monaco National Day 2019- Prince’s Palace of Monaco
- Loi n° 798 du 18 février 1966 portant fixation des jours fériés légaux- Légimonaco
- Loi n° 800 du 18 février 1966 régissant la rémunération et les conditions de travail relatives aux jours fériés légaux- Légimonaco