Carnival celebrations or Fuesend

What is Carnival like in Luxembourg?

Depending on the year, the period from February to March in Luxembourg is marked by Carnival celebrations. These are among Luxembourg’s most joyful traditions, featuring a season of festivities and celebrations in the country’s municipalities.

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

In the Christian tradition, the Carnival season officially ends on "Mardi Gras." The term "Carnival" comes from the Italian "carnelevare," which means "to remove meat."
Ash Wednesday officially marks the beginning of Lent. This is the period of fasting preceding Easter and observed by the country’s Catholics.
The town of Remich in southern Luxembourg celebrates Ash Wednesday in its own unique 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 town’s streets in a large procession. Tied to the bridge over the Moselle, it is then set alight. The ashes fall into the Moselle, symbolically marking the end of winter. This tradition is linked to the “Buergbrennen.”

Carnival treats: Fuesendkichelcher

During Carnival season, Luxembourgers traditionally enjoy “Carnival cakes.” These “Fuesendkichelcher” in Luxembourgish are delicious doughnuts made from leavened dough, using flour and eggs. Fried in oil, they are then sprinkled with sugar.
Verwuelter are a special type of Fuesendkichelcher, recognizable by their knot-like shape. You’ll find them in various sizes at bakeries and pastry shops across the country, and even in supermarkets.
Pets-de Nonne or "Nonnefäscht" are another Carnival treat (our favorite!). Pets-de-nonne are made from choux pastry fried in hot oil. They are then dusted with powdered sugar before being enjoyed. They’re delicious!

If you love culinary traditions, don’t miss the Galette des Rois on Epiphany, January 6, or the crêpes on Candlemas, February 2.

Carnival Masked Balls in Luxembourg

Traditionally, during Carnival season, Luxembourgers enjoy a string of festive outings and entertainment, such as joyful parades. Carnival kicks off with the start of the masked ball season. Towns and villages across Luxembourg each organize their own, much to the delight of children and adults alike.
Traditionally, on the eve of the Carnival school break, elementary school children go to school in costume. After-school centers and youth associations organize numerous masked balls.
Check with your local municipality or keep an eye on the signs at the entrance to villages to find out about the Carnival festivities planned in your community.

Parades and joyful processions in Luxembourg’s cities

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

Dierkirch Cavalcade

Diekirch was the birthplace of Luxembourg’s first Cavalcade in 1870. Since then, the tradition has continued. Each year, nearly 20,000 to 25,000 spectators attend the festivities. The Diekirch Cavalcade is undoubtedly the most memorable event of Carnival in Luxembourg. Preparations begin 8 to 10 months in advance for the 1,800 participants in the procession. A jury selects the best marching groups and floats. Prizes of up to 500 euros are awarded for the quality of costumes and decorations, originality, and more.

Several thousand Carnival doughnuts (Verwuelter) and several tons of candy, treats, and giveaways are distributed to onlookers. The route begins on Route de Larochette and stretches for 2 kilometers. A raffle is also held, giving spectators the chance to win up to 400 euros. 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 Cavalcade during the "Fues Weekend"

Esch-sur-Alzette also hosts a very popular parade. It will take place during the "Escher Fues Weekend." DJs and cover bands will provide entertainment. The festivities kick off on Friday evening with an after-work gathering starting at 5 p.m. on the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, where a large tent has been set up.
The Esch parade is usually preceded by the Schifflange parade and followed by the Pétange parade.

Wasserbillig’s Nuetskavalkad

Wasserbillig traditionally holds its Nuetscavalcade on Saturday evening during Mid-Lent. The festivities begin at nightfall, starting at 6 p.m. During the parade, people in costume hand out treats along the 1,800-meter route. Spectators can also enjoy wine and fruit juices 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 takes place in the middle of Lent, or “1/2 Faaschten” in Luxembourgish.

Don’t forget, either, the tradition of the Stréimännchen in Remich on Ash Wednesday, featuring a straw figure that is set on fire to symbolize the end of Carnival and the departure of winter.

A lively procession winds through the town’s streets from the “A Fuesend” café on Rue du Bois, accompanying the Stréimännchen to the Moselle bridge. Once there, the figure is burned and cast into the river in a symbolic gesture marking the transition to the new season. In leap years, a female figure takes center stage as the hero of the day.

The event is usually accompanied by traditional, convivial specialties such as mulled wine, potato pancakes, and fried fish. Don’t miss 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, brings to mind other charming cultural traditions like the famous Bretzelsonndeg, celebrated with enthusiasm by lovers.

More information at cavalcade.lu.