Monaco National Day 2026
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About the event
Why Monaco celebrates 19 November Monaco celebrates its National Day on 19 November — the Feast of Saint Rainier, the patron saint of the ruling Grimaldi family. National Day is a formal state occasion — a Te Deum Mass is held at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, attended by the Sovereign Prince and the royal family.
The most prestigious street circuit in Formula 1 — the race through Monaco's narrow streets has been held since 1929.
Why this day
Monaco celebrates its National Day on 19 November — the Feast of Saint Rainier, the patron saint of the ruling Grimaldi family. The holiday is tied to the dynasty that has ruled Monaco since 1297, when François Grimaldi captured the fortress rock disguised as a Franciscan monk. The Grimaldi family has maintained an unbroken rule for over 700 years — one of the longest-reigning dynasties in Europe.
Monaco is the world's second smallest country — a 2.02 square kilometre principality on the French Riviera. It is the most densely populated sovereign state in the world and has no income tax, making it a magnet for the world's wealthy. Despite its tiny size, Monaco has its own Formula 1 Grand Prix, a football club and a renowned opera house.
National Day is a formal state occasion — a Te Deum Mass is held at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, attended by the Sovereign Prince and the royal family. A military parade follows in the Place du Palais. The evening brings concerts and a fireworks display over the Mediterranean.
Timeline
- 1297François Grimaldi captures the rock of Monaco — Grimaldi dynasty begins
- 1861Treaty with France — Monaco becomes fully sovereign though in customs union
- 1956Prince Rainier III marries Grace Kelly — Monaco enters global public consciousness
Stay for the event
Check-in 18 Nov, check-out 20 Nov 2026 — 2 nights around 19 November 2026. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in Monte CarloGetting there
- Celebratednationwide
- CapitalMonaco
- Time zoneCET (UTC+1)
Host country
- Currency: euro
- Language: French
- Driving: on the right
- Capital: Monaco
- Phone: +377
- Emergency: 112
- Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/E
What to eat
SoccaThin chickpea flour pancake baked in a wood-fired oven and eaten hot with black pepper — a Riviera street food.
BarbagiuanDeep-fried pastry filled with ricotta and Swiss chard — Monaco's own traditional snack, eaten at National Day.
PissaladièreCaramelised onion tart with anchovies and black olives on a bread base — the Niçois flatbread.
Salade niçoiseThe original Riviera salad — tuna, boiled egg, green beans, olives and anchovies with vinaigrette.
Daube provençaleSlow-braised beef in red wine with olives and herbs — the rich Provençal stew.
Tarte tropézienneBrioche filled with cream — invented in Saint-Tropez and beloved across the Côte d'Azur.
What to drink
ChampagneMonaco's casino terraces and yacht decks are where Champagne is consumed at a higher rate than almost anywhere.
Rosé de ProvencePale pink wine from the Var and Bandol — the quintessential Riviera summer drink.
Monaco beerGrimbergen and local craft beers served in Monaco's cafés and hotels.
Culture & traditions
Monaco Grand PrixThe most prestigious street circuit in Formula 1 — the race through Monaco's narrow streets has been held since 1929.
Casino de Monte-CarloThe Belle Époque casino palace — the symbol of Monaco wealth and one of the most recognisable buildings in the world.
Palais PrincierThe Grimaldi palace on the rock — open to visitors in summer, the stage for the National Day ceremony.
Opéra de Monte-CarloOne of Europe's great opera houses — built by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera.
Coming years
Monaco National Day 2027
- Friday 19 November 2027Next event date
Monaco National Day 2028
- Sunday 19 November 2028Event date
Monaco National Day 2029
- Monday 19 November 2029Event date