National holiday in Luxembourg: June 23

  • June 24/2024
  • Luxembourg
Luxembourg National Holiday June 23
Luxembourg National Holiday June 23

Event description


Luxembourg has a strong sense of national identity. Every year, all residents of the Grand Duchy come together to celebrate the Luxembourg National Holiday on June 23.

From solemn ceremonies to popular gatherings, this festive day is of great importance to all Luxembourg residents.

National Day is a tradition that highlights the country's history and the spirit of unity among its citizens. 

History and traditions of June 23 in Luxembourg

The national holiday is one of the symbols of Luxembourg's unity.

History of the Luxembourg National Holiday

Luxembourg's national holiday has been celebrated since the 18th century as the birthday of the sovereign, the Grand Duke. This is "Groussherzogsgebuertsdag" or "Nationalfeierdag" in Luxembourgish. The date has changed many times over the years, according to the reigning sovereigns.

The date of this national holiday was changed to January 23 in 1919 with the accession to the throne of Grand Duchess Charlotte, an emblematic figure in Luxembourg's history. Grand Duchess Charlotte, an emblematic figure in Luxembourg's history.

In 1947, Bastille Day was declared a national public holiday.

Since 1961, the Fête Nationale has been held on June 23. With the onset of summer and warmer weather, the festivities can be enjoyed more widely.

The Grand Ducal family at the center of national festivities

H.R.H. the Grand Duke and H.R.H. the Grand Duchess, along with the entire royal family, play a central role in the national holiday festivities.

Traditionally, the festivities begin the day before, on June 22, with a Changing of the Guard in front of the Palais Grand-Ducal in Luxembourg-City at around 4pm. The Grand Duke and his wife then travel to a Luxembourg commune outside the capital. They then take part in Luxembourg's traditional torchlight procession.

On June 23, the Philharmonie in Luxembourg-Kirchberg is the scene of official ceremonies. At 10 a.m., the Prime Minister makes a speech. H.R.H. the Grand Duke awards honorary distinctions in the Civil and Military Order of Adolphe de Nassau to certain citizens who have worked for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The festivities continue with a traditional 21-gun salute to the Grand Duke.

H.R.H. the Grand Duke and the Hereditary Grand Duke then review the troops in a military parade. The parade ends on the Place de la Constitution, watched by the Gelle Fra. The Grand Ducal family watch the festivities from an official stand set up on Boulevard F. D. Roosevelt at the corner of Rue de la Congrégation.

This is followed by a solemn Te Deum mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg City. This religious ceremony takes place in the presence of members of the royal family, government representatives and distinguished guests. It symbolizes the close link between state and religion in Luxembourg.

The national anthem "Ons Heemecht" (translated as "our homeland") is sung. The lyrics, written by Luxembourg poet Michel Lentz in 1859, are a call for peace.

National Day festivities on June 23

All residents of the country, whatever their nationality , take part in the many National Day festivities. 

Torchlight procession, fireworks and street entertainment the evening before

On the evening of June 22, Luxembourg City is under the banner of joy, fun and music.

From the evening of June 22, the festivities begin in Luxembourg and the country's communes. Concerts of all kinds and DJ sets take to the streets of the capital. This year, the Place du Glacis will vibrate from 5pm on June 22 and 23 to the sound of national and international musical groups.

In the evening, a "Fakelzuch" torchlight procession takes place through the streets of Luxembourg City. It stretches from the Puis Rouge in the city center to the Avenue de la Gare.

A magnificent "Freedefeier" fireworks display lasting almost 20 minutes is then fired from the Pont Adolphe at 11.00 pm. Every year, the event attracts some 100,000 people from all over the Greater Region. For a front-row seat, take a seat in the Gare (Place de Metz), Hollerich, Place de la Constitution or on the Viaduct (Al Breck).

Lots of entertainment and small street vendors add to the capital's friendly, festive atmosphere. The streets of the capital are usually alive withstreet bands and live concerts .

Festive entertainment on June 23 in Luxembourg

All the country's communes are also actively involved in this festival.

First of all, a "Te Deum" is sung in every church in the country. After the Burgomaster 's speech to his constituents, citizens can take part in festivities of all kinds in every commune.

The Army is also celebrating at Place des Martyrs. The public can admire military vehicles and enjoy a friendly drink.

Once again this year, youngsters can enjoy the Spillfest or Games Festival on the Kinnekswiss in the Ville-Haute district from 10am to 6pm. Participation is free of charge. Catering available on site.

Residents of all nationalities are cordially invited to join in the festivities. Ask your local council for details of the program.

On that day, Luxembourg really came into its own as a multicultural nation!

Schéi Nationalfeierdag!!

  • Start date :
  • 24/06/2024

Location


Luxembourg

Our events General


They trust us

AXA assurances Luxembourg
Raiffeisen Luxembourg
Child king