Monaco National Day
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- 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
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. 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.
- 202619 November 2026 · Thursday
- 202719 November 2027 · Friday
- 202819 November 2028 · Sunday
The Monaco flag has two equal horizontal bands of red over white — the colours of the Grimaldi family coat of arms. The flag is one of the simplest in the world. It is identical to Indonesia's flag except that Monaco's has a 4:5 ratio while Indonesia's is 2:3.
Monaco has no cuisine of its own but the finest restaurants in the world have addresses here. The regional Niçois and Ligurian tradition — socca, panisse, pissaladière and fresh seafood — forms the base of what is eaten on the rock.
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.Monaco culture
Monaco's culture is inseparable from glamour — the casino, the Grand Prix, the opera and a parade of superyachts. But beneath the gloss is a real community with local traditions tied to the sea and the Riviera landscape.
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.