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Public holiday in Monaco
The
National Day
of
Monaco
(
French
:
La Fete du Prince
, literally Prince's holiday) also known as
The Sovereign Prince's Day
is currently annually celebrated on 19 November.
Date
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The date of the
National day
is traditionally determined by the reigning Prince. The previous Princes often chose the day of the saint they were named after. For instance the late
Prince Rainier III
chose 19 November, the day that celebrates
Saint Rainier
. When
Prince Albert II
ascended the throne he ended this tradition by choosing the same day as his father, instead of the day of St. Albert, 15 November. 19 November is also the day of Albert II's official ascension to the throne.
Celebrations
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National day is typically celebrated with fireworks over the harbour the evening before and a mass in the
St. Nicholas Cathedral
the next morning.
[1]
The people of Monaco may celebrate by displaying the
Monegasque flag
.
It is an opportunity to see the pomp and circumstance of the Principality.
Knights of Malta
, distinguished ambassadors, consuls and state officials wear medal-laden uniforms as they congregate in the
Saint Nicholas Cathedral
after the mass. The Princely Family of Monaco is expected to show up on national day.
The birth of
Albert II's
children has been celebrated in a similar fashion as a national day and 7 January 2015 was declared a public holiday (one-time only).
See also
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References
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