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Fête Nationale Monégasque 2011
2011-11-11 10:29
A prizewinning display at Port Hercule from the UK's Jubilee fireworks
Although the tradition of a
Monégasque National Day dates from the reign of Prince Charles III, it was the current prince who chose 19 November - the feast day of St Rainier of Arezzo – to honour the memory of his father, the late Rainier III.
National Day (or the 'Fête du Prince') celebrates the traditions and ideals of the community of Monaco, and the day includes specific rituals such as the
Ceremony of Honours by the Sovereign Prince, the presenting of arms in the Palace courtyard, the review of the troops in the
Palace Square, and a celebratory Mass and Te Deum in
Monaco Cathedral. There is also a traditional distribution of alms to the poor, sick and elderly.
For several days the whole country, decked out with the red-and-white flag of the Principality, takes part in a range of festivities, culminating in a
music and fireworks spectacular on the evening of the 18th at Port Hercule.
Full programme (public events in bold)
Tuesday 15 November
2.30pm Presentation of Medals of Honour by the Minister of State at the Oceanographic Museum
5.30pm Presentation of Medals and Distinctions by HSH Prince Albert II in the Hall of Mirrors, Palace of Monaco, followed by a reception
Wednesday 16 November
9.30am Presentation of Medals for Public Service)
3.00pm:
For children aged 3-10 years: "Les aventures magiques" (Salle du Canton)
3.30pm Presentation of Medals (Princess Grace Hospital)
Thursday 17 November
10.30am Presentation of packages to the Red Cross by TSH Princesses Charlene and Stephanie
11.15am Grimaldi Forum: Ceremony of the Guard and presentation of medals
3.00pm Presentation of Medals for Physical Education and Medals of the Ministry of Sport by HSH Prince Albert II
5.15pm Prince's Palace, Throne Room: Presentation of the Orders of St Charles and Grimaldi
Friday 18 November
9.45am Prince's Palace, Throne Room: Presentation of Blood Donor medals
10.30am Prince's Palace Blue Chamber: Presentation of Red Cross medals
11.30am Prince's palace: Presentation of Order of Cultural Merit by the Princess of Hanover
2.30pm Foyer of the Auditorium Rainier III. Presentation of packages to Senior Citizens of Monaco by Princess Stephanie
5.00pm: Prince's Palace, Hall of Mirrors: Presentation to two recipients of La Légion d'Honneur
6.00pm: Diplomatic Corps reception
8.30pm: Hotel Hermitage: Ambassadorial dinner
9.00pm:
Firework display and bonfire (Avenue de la Porte Neuve and on the Ramparts)
10.00pm:
For children 10 and above: comedy with Roland Magdane 'Attention c'est show' (Salle du Canton)
Saturday 19 November: National Day
10.00am:
Thanksgiving Mass and Te Deum in Monaco Cathedral
11.15am: Prince's Palace: Ceremony of the Guard in the Court of Honour. Presentation of badges and medals to the Police and Security Officers of the palace, by HSH Prince Albert
11.30am
: Palace Square: Ceremony of the Guard
1.00pm: Official lunch (Throne Room)
6.30pm: Cocktail party for Diplomatic Corps
8.00pm Grimaldi Forum:
Gala Soirée (invitation only) in the Salle des Princes. Opera Monte Carlo presents
'Mefistofele' by Arrigo Boito
Sunday 20 November
5.00pm:
Gospel concert for children 10 and above with the Golden Gate Quartet (Salle du Canton)