On January 27, 2026, the Principality continued its centuries-old tradition in honor of its patron saint, in a festive atmosphere.
Bundled up in their winter coats, Monegasques and visitors gathered around Port Hercule as early as 5 p.m. on Monday, January 26, to take part in the celebrations for Sainte Dévote. Despite the chilly temperatures on this winter evening, the enthusiasm was palpable among the large crowd that had gathered to honor the patron saint of Monaco and the Princely Family.
Relive the show:
A tradition rooted in Monaco’s history
The legend dates back to the 4th century: Dévote, a young Christian woman martyred in Corsica during the reign of Emperor Diocletian in 304 by the consul Barbarus, is said to have had her body placed in a boat guided by a dove. The boat is said to have run aground in the Gaumates Valley, at the far end of the port of Monaco. Recognized as the patron saint of the Principality in the 17th century under Honoré II, Saint Dévote has since embodied the protective spirit of Monegasque identity.
The Princely Family presides over the festivities
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Crown Prince Jacques, and Princess Gabriella presided over this emotionally charged evening. After a Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Monaco at the Church of Sainte-Dévote, the Princely Family arrived to thunderous applause from the crowd. The Princely Twins had the honor of setting the symbolic boat ablaze, torches in hand, the climax of the celebration. The flames rose into the night to the sound of traditional polyphonic chants, amid the cheers of the crowd.
Allumee lights up the sky over Monaco
Technological innovation made its way into tradition with a show featuring 400 drones orchestrated by the company Allumee. Above the harbor, the drones reimagined the Monegasque sky for nearly 10 minutes, retracing the defining moments of Saint Dévote’s life: from her faith to her death, through her ordeal, and culminating in her canonization with a Sanctus.
The narrative sound-and-light show, which recounted the saint’s story, was narrated by a child’s voice and enhanced by a musical composition filled with hope.
Some of the show’s most memorable scenes include:
- Depictions of Sainte-Dévote
- The iconic dove
- The Boat’s Arrival in Monaco
- The Boat Catches Fire
- The Flag and Coat of Arms of Monaco
From the heights of the Principality down to the harbor, spectators were able to admire the illuminated drones spelling out “Viva Devota” against the night sky—a successful blend of ancestral heritage and modernity.
Drone light and sound shows: a new way to celebrate religious holidays.
The drone show organized by Allumee for the city of Monaco is part of an emerging trend that is gradually transforming traditional religious celebrations. This technological evolution reflects a desire to balance respect for traditions with environmental awareness.
Last year, Allumee Italia—a local subsidiary—organized a show in Taranto for the“Festa della Madonna del Carmine,”which made a lasting impression by replacing the traditional fireworks display with a drone show featuring drones taking off from the Castello Aragonese.
“For the first time, we decided to replace the usual fireworks display with an artistic drone show to send a message of environmental and noise sustainability,” explained Monsignor Marco Gerardo, the spiritual leader of the brotherhood. This decision reflects a collective awareness: “If we were able to do this with the fireworks, imagine what the local community, the region, and the government could accomplish. The important thing is to have the ability to come together as one.”
Beyond the environmental benefits—reducing noise and air pollution—these drone shows also offer new narrative possibilities.
In both Monaco and Taranto, technology makes it possible to visually tell the stories of the saints and create meaningful light displays, thereby combining innovation with the preservation of religious heritage.
A development that appeals to both longtime followers and newcomers, while preserving the spiritual essence of these time-honored celebrations.
