Corpus Christi, also known as the Feast of the Body of Christ, is a significant holy day in the Christian calendar observed in Monaco, a mostly Catholic country located in Western Europe. The public holiday is a movable feast that typically falls on a Thursday, 60 days after Easter Sunday. On this day, the Catholic faithful participate in processions and celebrate Mass to commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist, which is one portion of the Christian Holy Communion service.
In Monaco, as in other Catholic countries, Corpus Christi is celebrated with considerable religious fervor. The streets of Monaco are often filled with devout Catholics participating in religious processions. The highlight is a large procession that commences following Mass, with worshipers marching solemnly behind a priest carrying the Blessed Sacrament, a consecrated host believed to embody Christ. During this procession, altars known as 'stations' are set up at several points, where the Eucharist is displayed and venerated.
Celebrations of Corpus Christi in Monaco also often feature the tradition known as the 'carpet of flowers.' For this, intricate designs are created on the streets using colored petals and other natural materials, depicting religious images and symbols. The carpet of flowers serves as a kind of honor guard for the passing procession, symbolizing the community’s dedication, reverence, and love for the Holy Eucharist. The observance of Corpus Christi in Monaco is not just a religious event, but also a cultural experience that intertwines centuries-old traditions and the deep-rooted faith of the Monégasque people.