Monaco, a small yet vibrant Principality on the Mediterranean coast, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions. The public holidays in Monaco are a blend of religious observances and national celebrations, each reflecting the unique history and values of the Monegasque people. From the solemnity of Saint Devota’s Day to the exuberance of National Day, these holidays offer a glimpse into the Principality’s spirit and unity.
This blog explores the significance of Monaco’s public holidays in 2025, highlighting their cultural, religious, and social importance in fostering community and preserving tradition.
Public Holidays in Monaco In 2025
The following is the list of public holidays in monaco 2025.
Holiday | Date | Weekday |
New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
Saint Devota’s Day | Jan 07, 2025 | Monday |
Easter Monday | Jan 08, 2025 | Monday |
Labour Day | Mar 08, 2025 | Thursday |
Ascension Day | Apr 20, 2025 | Thursday |
Whit Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
Corpus Christi | Apr 28, 2025 | Thursday |
Assumption Day | May 01, 2025 | Friday |
All Saints’ Day | May 09, 2025 | Saturday |
National Day | Jun 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
Immaculate Conception | Aug 27, 2025 | Monday |
Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
Know more: Public Holidays in Moldova In 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the new year in Monaco, just like in many other countries around the world. It is a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. People in Monaco celebrate this day with various traditions, including family gatherings, parties, and fireworks. The night before, on New Year’s Eve, Monegasques often enjoy a festive meal with loved ones, and many attend special events or parties to count down to midnight. As the clock strikes twelve, it’s common to make resolutions for the coming year. The day itself is typically spent relaxing, reflecting on the past year, and enjoying the company of family and friends.
For many, it is also a time to enjoy traditional foods and to exchange well-wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity in the year ahead.
Saint Devota’s Day
Saint Devota’s Day is a significant public holiday in Monaco, celebrated on January 27th. It honors Saint Devota, the patron saint of Monaco. According to legend, Saint Devota was a Christian martyr who was killed during the Roman Empire. Her body was placed in a boat to be taken to Africa, but a storm brought the boat to the shores of Monaco instead. The locals saw this as a divine sign and adopted her as their patron saint. On this day, Monegasques participate in various religious and cultural activities.
One of the most famous traditions is the burning of a boat in front of the Saint Devota Church, symbolizing the arrival of Saint Devota’s body on Monaco’s shores. The celebrations include a special mass, a procession, and fireworks. This holiday is deeply rooted in Monaco’s history and reflects the strong cultural and religious heritage of the Principality.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday, celebrated the day after Easter Sunday, is an important public holiday in Monaco. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith. The day is marked by various religious and family-oriented activities. Many people attend church services to celebrate the resurrection and reflect on the significance of Easter.
Following the religious observances, families often gather for festive meals, enjoying traditional foods and spending quality time together. In Monaco, it’s also a day for leisure and relaxation, with many people taking the opportunity to enjoy the spring weather and outdoor activities. Public institutions and many businesses close for the day, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in the holiday’s traditions and festivities. Easter Monday serves as a continuation of the joy and celebration of Easter, emphasizing themes of renewal, hope, and togetherness.
Labour Day
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a public holiday in Monaco that honors workers and their contributions to society. Known as Fête du Travail in French, this day is part of a global tradition recognizing the labor movement and advocating for workers’ rights. In Monaco, as in many other places, the day is marked by various activities aimed at celebrating and appreciating the workforce.
People often participate in parades, rallies, and demonstrations advocating for fair labor practices and better working conditions. It’s also a day for relaxation and family time, as many businesses and public institutions close for the holiday. The day is symbolized by the lily of the valley flower, which people often give to each other as a token of good luck and happiness. Labour Day in Monaco reflects the principality’s commitment to workers’ rights and the value placed on hard work and dedication.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day, celebrated 40 days after Easter, marks the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, according to Christian belief. In Monaco, this day is a significant public holiday with deep religious meaning. It is observed with special church services and masses, where the faithful gather to commemorate this important event in the Christian liturgical calendar. The day serves as a reminder of the promise of eternal life and the belief in Christ’s ongoing spiritual presence. For many in Monaco, Ascension Day is also a time for family gatherings and community activities.
People may spend the day enjoying outdoor activities, given that it often falls in late spring when the weather is pleasant. Public institutions and many businesses close for the day, allowing residents to fully participate in both the religious and social aspects of the holiday. Ascension Day in Monaco blends spiritual reflection with a celebration of community and family.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is celebrated the day after Pentecost, which is 50 days after Easter. This holiday commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament. In Monaco, Whit Monday is a public holiday marked by religious and community activities. Many people attend church services to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian Church. The day is also an opportunity for families to gather and enjoy time together. Given that it occurs in late spring, it’s a popular day for outdoor activities and leisure.
Public institutions and many businesses close for the day, reflecting the importance of the holiday in the principality. Whit Monday in Monaco is a time for both spiritual reflection and communal enjoyment, emphasizing the themes of unity, inspiration, and renewal brought by the Holy Spirit.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, celebrated 60 days after Easter, is a significant public holiday in Monaco dedicated to the Eucharist, the body and blood of Jesus Christ in Christian belief. The day is marked by special church services, processions, and community celebrations. In Monaco, the faithful participate in a grand procession where the consecrated host, symbolizing the body of Christ, is carried through the streets. This procession is a public declaration of faith and a celebration of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
People decorate the streets with flowers and banners, creating a festive and reverent atmosphere. Many attend mass and spend time in prayer and reflection. Corpus Christi is also a day for family gatherings and community activities, as public institutions and businesses close for the holiday. The celebration of Corpus Christi in Monaco highlights the deep religious traditions of the principality and the importance of faith in the community.
Assumption Day
Assumption Day, celebrated on August 15th, is a major public holiday in Monaco that commemorates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. According to Christian belief, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life. This day is marked by religious observances, including special masses and church services, where the faithful gather to honor Mary. In Monaco, Assumption Day is also a time for family and community activities.
Many people enjoy the summer weather with outdoor events, picnics, and gatherings. Public institutions and businesses typically close for the day, allowing residents to participate fully in the holiday’s traditions. The celebration often includes processions and festivities that highlight the cultural and religious heritage of Monaco. Assumption Day reflects the deep Marian devotion in Monaco and the importance of Mary in the Christian faith.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1st, is a significant public holiday in Monaco dedicated to honoring all saints, known and unknown. This day is a time for remembering the saints and martyrs who have passed away and for reflecting on their lives and virtues. In Monaco, All Saints’ Day is marked by religious observances, including special masses and church services.
Many people visit cemeteries to place flowers and candles on the graves of their loved ones, paying respects and remembering those who have died. The day is also a time for family gatherings and reflection on the lives of those who have passed away. Public institutions and many businesses close for the day, allowing people to fully participate in the holiday’s traditions. All Saints’ Day in Monaco highlights the cultural and religious importance of remembering the departed and honoring the saints’ contributions to the Christian faith.
National Day
National Day, celebrated on November 19th, is one of the most important public holidays in Monaco. Known as Prince’s Day, it honors the reigning Prince of Monaco. The date was chosen by Prince Rainier III to coincide with Saint Rainier’s feast day, reflecting the Prinprincipality trong connection between its leadership and religious heritage. The day is marked by various official ceremonies, including a Te Deum mass at the Monaco Cathedral, attended by the royal family and high-ranking officials. Parades, fireworks, and other festive events take place throughout the day. The people of Monaco show their national pride by displaying the Monegasque flag and participating in the celebrations. National Day is a time for unity, patriotism, and community spirit. It is a day when the citizens of Monaco come together to celebrate their unique heritage, their leaders, and their enduring national identity.
Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8th, is a significant public holiday in Monaco. It commemorates the belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, meaning she was conceived without original sin. This day is marked by religious observances, including special masses and church services, where the faithful gather to honor Mary.
In Monaco, the holiday reflects the deep Marian devotion in the Principality. Many people attend church services and spend time in prayer and reflection. The day is also a time for family and community activities, as public institutions and businesses typically close. Decorations and processions are common, adding to the festive and reverent atmosphere of the holiday. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception underscores the importance of Mary in the Christian faith and the cultural and religious heritage of Monaco.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is a major public holiday in Monaco that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The day is marked by various religious and cultural activities. Many people attend midnight mass or church services on Christmas morning, celebrating the nativity of Christ. The holiday is also a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. Monaco is beautifully decorated with lights and Christmas decorations, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the Principality.
Public institutions and many businesses close for the holiday, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in the celebrations. Christmas markets, concerts, and other events add to the joy of the season. Christmas Day in Monaco reflects the deep Christian traditions and the importance of family, generosity, and community. It is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness, celebrating the birth of Jesus and the values of love and compassion.