23 Jun
St. John's Day Festival in Monaco on 23 and 24 June 2014
The St. John's Day festivities will take place over two days in two different places – on 23 June in Monaco-Ville, and 24 June in the Quartier des Moulins (Moulins district)
The St. John's Day evening events are being organised free of charge by Monaco City Hall and the St. John Club (le Saint-Jean Club).
This year, in addition to the folklore group La Palladienne, the programme will also feature the Federation of Landes Folk Groups (La fédération des Groupes Folkloriques Landais).
Monday 23 June 2014 - Monaco-Ville
8.30 p.m.: Celebration of a religious service at the Palatine Church in the presence of elected and governmental officials and representatives of traditional Monegasque associations (by invitation).
8.45 p.m.: The second phase of the first day of festivities will consist of a bonfire and folk dancing in the Place du Palais, which will be open to all and more informal.
Tuesday 24 June 2014 - Quartier des Moulins
8.50 p.m.: A procession with representatives of traditional societies and folk musicians and dancers will leave the Place des Moulins to go to the Saint-Charles Church for the Solemn Blessing of the Blessed Sacrament.
9 p.m.: Saint-Charles Church: A little girl dressed in traditional Monegasque costume will place a bouquet of flowers at the foot of the altar. In addition to the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the religious ceremony will include the blessing of the lamb by the Archbishop of Monaco.
Afterwards: The procession will proceed to the Place des Moulins.
10 p.m.: The festivities will continue in the Place du Moulins, where the procession will return for the traditional Batafoegu (bonfire), lit by the Flame of Canigou (La Flamme du Canigou), carried in a lantern by a representative of the Maintenance Provençale des Feux de la Saint-Jean, an association to perpetuate the St. John's Day traditions. The municipal band will perform the Monegasque national anthem; this will be followed by a folklore show.
From 10.30 p.m. to midnight: Square Marcel Pagnol. All the participants and organisers (singers, dancers, musicians, celebrities and volunteers) will sit informally at tables in the Square Marcel Pagnol for a "Socca & Fougasse Party" of local specialities.
More info: www.mairie.mc