November Monaco

Monaco National Day (Fête Nationale)

Fête Nationale de Monaco

Published

Fireworks over Port Hercule at dusk, with moored boats, red and white flags and the Rock of Monaco and its palace in the background

Monaco National Day, the Fête Nationale, is the principality’s civic holiday: fireworks over Port Hercule on the evening of 18 November, then a mass, a military parade and neighbourhood festivities on the 19th. It is a day for Monaco’s own community more than a ticketed festival, but much of it unfolds outdoors where visitors can watch.

When is Monaco National Day?

The national day is on 19 November, a date fixed in 1951 by Prince Rainier III and kept by Prince Albert II, and it is a public holiday in the principality. The celebrations span two days: fireworks on the evening of the 18th, then the ceremonies of the 19th. A detailed 2026 programme had not been published on an official Monaco site when this page was written, so times for this year are not listed here. For reference, the 2025 fireworks began at 20:10.

This is a different event from the Monaco Fireworks Festival, the summer pyrotechnic competition. The National Day show is part of a civic holiday rather than a competition.

What to expect

On the evening of the 18th, fireworks light up Port Hercule, and access is free. On the 19th, a mass is held at Monaco Cathedral in the presence of Prince Albert II and the Princely Family, and a military parade takes place on Place du Palais. The city is decked out in red and white, the national colours.

At the Condamine market on the 19th, the 2025 programme included tastings of local specialities and a giant stockfish served at noon.

Espace Léo Ferré is invitation-only. The concerts and shows there are free but reserved for Monegasques and residents, who receive invitations on presentation of ID. Plan your visit around the fireworks, the outdoor ceremonies and the market instead.

Getting there

From Nice, the regional train reaches Monaco in around 20 to 25 minutes; see our getting here and getting around guides. If you want a good view of the Place du Palais ceremonies, arrive early on the 19th; if you drive, use the principality’s underground car parks.

Practical tips

  • Both the fireworks and the outdoor ceremonies are free to watch, so there are no tickets to book.
  • The 19th is a public holiday in Monaco.
  • Check the last train back to Nice before settling in for the evening fireworks.
  • Confirm the 2026 programme and times on mairie.mc or visitmonaco.com closer to the date.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Monaco National Day?
The national day is on 19 November every year; the date has been fixed since 1951 and it is a legal public holiday. The fireworks take place the evening before, on 18 November. A detailed 2026 programme had not been found on an official Monaco site when this page was written.
Are the National Day fireworks free?
Yes. The fireworks over Port Hercule on the evening of 18 November are open to everyone. The 2025 show started at 20:10; check the Monaco town hall (mairie.mc) for this year's timing.
Can visitors attend the shows at Espace Léo Ferré?
Generally no. The concerts and shows at Espace Léo Ferré are free but invitation-only, reserved for Monegasques and residents, who collect invitations on presentation of ID. Visitors can still enjoy the fireworks, the outdoor ceremonies and the Condamine market.