The National Day is held on 19th November, Saint-Rainier day. Festivities start with impressive fireworks over the harbour the evening before.
There is a mass in the morning in the Cathedral, a great opportunity to see the pomp of the Principality, with the Knights of Malta, ambassadors, consuls and state officials in uniforms as they congregate in the Place Saint Nicholas after the mass. Festivities are organised throughout the town, including concerts, parades on the Place du Palais and medal ceremonies. The funfair is also in full swing for the delight of children and adults alike.
This tradition goes back to the reign of Prince Charles III in 1856 but it was Prince Albert II who chose 19th November as the official celebration day of the Principality, the feast day of St Rainier of Arezzo, in honour of his father, Prince Rainier III.
