Sainte Dévote
The feast of Saint Devote, the patron saint of Monaco, is the most important religious holiday in the principality. The celebration includes a solemn Mass at the Église Sainte-Dévote, the blessing of the sea by the Archbishop of Monaco, and the dramatic burning of the ceremonial boat on the square in front of the church. The burning of the boat commemorates the legend that Saint Devote's boat was set on fire by pagans after it washed ashore in Monaco. The ceremony is attended by HSH the Prince and the Princely Family, and the procession is accompanied by the Carabiniers du Prince (the Prince's guards) in full ceremonial uniform. After the burning, white doves are released : a symbol of peace and of Monaco's enduring faith. The Prince then hosts a reception at the Palais Princier.
