Yesterday was the second day of the
Fête de Sainte Dévote, patron Saint of Monaco. Here you see H.S.H. Prince Albert II leaving the Cathedral on
le rocher after the Pontifical Mass. To the left, wearing the Mitre, is the Archbishop of Monaco,
Monseigneur Bernard Barsi. Following this mass there was a procession through the town which we'll see tomorrow and over the following few days.
According to legend, on the 27th January in the year 304, a boat from Corsica landed on the coast guided by a dove. In it lay the body of a young Christian martyr. Discovered by local fisherman, she became the patron saint of Monaco and a chapel was built on the spot - the beautiful Church of
Saint Dévote - which stands near Port Hercule. The relics of Sainte Dévote were enshrined within its walls and each year on the 27th January, religious ceremonies are held throughout the Principality in honour of its patron saint. On the evening of the 26th the Royal family burn a fishing boat on the port, from which a white dove is released. This is known as the 'burning of the boat' and is a tradition much looked forward to each year. This is followed by fireworks. You can see a sculpture of
Sainte Dévote by clicking
HERE.
The second day, which is the one we are taking part in, features this Mass, and then during the procession, we'll see the relic of
Saint Dévote. Do come back tomorrow.
PS. Apologies if you were expecting the visit to the
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. It's just that I drove into Monaco yesterday and suddenly remembered it was
Fête day and so I wanted you to see photos that are current - aren't women allowed to change their mind? We'll go back to the villa on
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat eventually.
The entire procession has moved from the Palace to the ramparts which overlook Port Hercule. Here, the Archbishop of Monaco holds the precious relic of the martyred Sainte Dévote whose body was washed up in a small boat on the shores of the Principality in the year 304.
The ladies walk from the cathedral as they take part in the procession. In the smaller photo you see them in the Place du Princier. 
We've gone back to the beginning today. As guests left the cathedral they were handed a red rose - and not just the ladies. 
Almost as soon as the Mass was over and H.S.H. Prince Albert II had been driven away, the parade from the Cathedral to the Place du Palais, began. 
Last day we'll be at the circus. I just wanted to show you the beautiful lioness in the main photo and the young one frolicking in the smaller pic.
These two dogs were behind bars in a large pen. I really should have asked someone if they are performing dogs or simply dogs belonging to a member of the circus. Neither looked very happy.
How the children loved the sealions. This is not part of the circus act. The animals live outside the circus tent and people can come and see them all day - no charge.
The sea lions were having the best fun outside the circus tent. They had an enormous pool to swim in and were just like dogs with their master - obedient yet naughty at times...
Stretch.....and hope for a biscuit. And he got one - in fact, he got lots of biscuits. And the child got to see just how long an elephant's trunk is.
