Description :

Celebrates the patron saint of Monaco. The legend is based in part on reality. During the 3rd century, the Governor of Corsica, under Roman influence (which was anti-Christian), tortured a young girl named Dévote. Christians who wanted her to have a proper burial put her in a small fishing boat and prayed that favorable winds would bring her home. A storm came up, forcing the boat along the coast of Provence and finally to the shores of Monaco. Then out of the mouth of Devote came a dove. The Christians saw this as a miracle and erected a chapel in her honor. Over the years, thieves came by sea to steal the relics in the chapel. When they were caught, they were put in jail and their boats burned. To commemorate this legend, on the evening of every January 26, a fishing boat is set ablaze by the Prince, and on January 27, there is a 'Te Deum' at the Cathedral followed by a procession through the streets of the Old Town. The spirit of St. Dévote has galvanized the spirits of the Monegasques through many a hard time. Even today one can hear 'Merci St. Dévote' on the lips of locals.