Carnival celebrations or Fuesend

What is Carnival like in Luxembourg?

Depending on the year, February/March in Luxembourg is marked by Carnival celebrations. These celebrations are among Luxembourg's most joyful traditions, with a period of festivities and parties in Luxembourg's municipalities.

Carnival officially begins in Luxembourg on February 2, Candlemas Day and Liichtmëssdag in Luxembourg. This date marks the first day of Carnival celebrations.

In Christian tradition, the Carnival period officially ends on Shrove Tuesday, which will take place on February 17, 2026. The term Carnival comes from the Italian "carnelevare," which means "to remove meat."
Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the official start of Lent. This is the period of fasting preceding Easter and observed by Catholics in the country.
The town of Remich in southern Luxembourg celebrates Ash Wednesday in its own way by burning a straw figure, the "Stréimännchen," every year. This tradition, which has existed since 1821, has a special feature in leap years, as the figure is a woman, the "Streifrächen."
This straw figure is carried through the streets of the town in a large procession. Tied to the bridge over the Moselle, it is then set alight. The ashes fall into the Moselle, symbolically heralding the end of winter. This tradition is similar to the"Buergbrennen".

Carnival treats: Fuesendkichelcher

During the carnival period, Luxembourgers traditionally enjoy "carnival cakes." These "Fuesendkichelcher" in Luxembourgish are delicious doughnuts made from yeast dough, flour, and eggs. Fried in oil, they are then sprinkled with sugar.
Verwuelter are a special type of Fusendkichelcher, recognizable by their knot shape. You can find them in different sizes in bakeries and pastry shops across the country, and even in supermarkets.
Pets-de Nonne or "Nonnefäscht" are another Carnival delicacy (our favorite!). Pets-de-nonne are made from choux pastry fried in hot oil. They are then sprinkled with powdered sugar before being eaten. They're delicious!

If you enjoy culinary traditions, don't miss the galette des rois on Epiphany on January 6, or the crêpes on Candlemas on February 2.

Carnival masked balls in Luxembourg

Traditionally, during the Carnival period, Luxembourgers enjoy a series of festive outings and entertainment such as joyful parades. Carnival kicks off with the opening of the masked ball season. Luxembourg's towns and villages each organize their own, to the delight of young and old alike.
Traditionally, on the eve of the Carnival school holidays, primary school children go to school in costume. Daycare centers and youth associations organize numerous masked balls.
Check with your local council or keep an eye on the signs at the entrance to villages to find out about the Carnival festivities planned in your municipality.

Parades and joyful processions in Luxembourg's towns

The Carnival period in Luxembourg is marked above all by Cavalcades. These joyful processions wind their way through the largest cities to the delight of the population.

Diekirch Cavalcade

Diekirch saw the first parade in Luxembourg in 1870. Since then, the tradition has continued. Every year, around 20,000 to 25,000 spectators attend the festivities. The Diekirch Cavalcade is undoubtedly the most memorable event of Carnival in Luxembourg. It takes 8 to 10 months of preparation for the 1,800 participants in the parade. A jury determines the most beautiful walking groups and floats. Prizes of up to €500 are awarded for the quality of the costumes and decorations, originality, etc.

Several thousand carnival doughnuts or Verwuelter and several tons of candy, sweets, and gadgets are distributed to onlookers. The parade starts on Route de Larochette and stretches for 2 kilometers. A raffle is also organized, with spectators having the chance to win up to €400. DJs are on hand throughout the event to liven up the day and keep the party going until 3 a.m. Shuttle buses make it easier to get to the venue.
This year, the Diekirch parade will take place on February 15.

Esch-sur-Alzette parade during the "Fues Weekend"

Esch-sur-Alzette also hosts a very popular parade. It will take place during the "Escher Fues Weekend" on February 27. DJs and cover bands will provide entertainment for the event. The festivities begin on Friday evening with an after-work party starting at 5 p.m. on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, where a large marquee will be erected.
The Esch parade will be preceded by the Schifflange parade on March 22 and followed by the Pétange parade on March 15.

Nuetskavalkad in Wasserbillig

Wasserbillig traditionally organizes its Nuetscavalcade on Saturday evening in mid-Lent, this year on February 14. The festivities begin at nightfall, starting at 6 p.m. During the parade, people in costume hand out sweets along the 1,800-meter route. Spectators can also enjoy wine and fruit juice in a festive and joyful atmosphere. A "King of the Pretzel" is elected during this event. He is replaced by a "Queen of the Pretzel" in leap years.

Remich and its parade

The Remich parade is also famous. Very popular, it will take place this year on March 15, mid-Lent or "1/2 Faaschten" in Luxembourgish.

Don't forget Ash Wednesday – this year on February 18 – and the tradition of Stréimännchen in Remich, featuring a straw figure that is set on fire to symbolize the end of carnival and the departure of winter.

A lively procession winds its way through the streets of the town from the "A Fuesend" café on Rue du Bois and accompanies the Stréimännchen to the Moselle bridge. Once there, the figure is burned and thrown into the river in a symbolic gesture of transition to the new season. In leap years, a female character is the hero of the day.

The event is usually accompanied by traditional specialties such as mulled wine, potato pancakes, and fried fish. Don't miss out on this festive atmosphere.

Carnival is a joyful and lively time, including in Luxembourg! Have fun! Carnival in Luxembourg, with its flamboyant parades and lively masked balls, is reminiscent of other charming cultural traditions such as the famous Bretzelsonndeg, celebrated enthusiastically by lovers.

More information at cavalcade.lu.