Saint Devota's Day

**Saint Devota's Day in Monaco** is a significant religious and cultural celebration held annually on **January 27**. It honors **Saint Devota**, the patron saint of Monaco, who is revered for her martyrdom and dedication to Christianity. According to tradition, Devota was a young Corsican Christian woman who was martyred in the 4th century. Her body was smuggled to Monaco, where it became a symbol of faith and protection for the principality. The day is marked by religious ceremonies, including a **solemn Mass** at the **Cathedral of Monaco**, where the relics of Saint Devota are venerated. A highlight of the celebration is the **torchlight procession**, during which a symbolic boat is set ablaze to commemorate the legend of her arrival in Monaco. The event also features traditional music, prayers, and the participation of Monaco's royal family, emphasizing the deep connection between the saint and the nation's identity. Saint Devota's Day is not only a spiritual occasion but also a time for the Monegasque people to come together in unity and pride, celebrating their heritage and the enduring legacy of their patron saint.