Traditional customs and festivals in Luxembourg

Luxembourg traditions

Luxembourg, a land of traditions

Luxembourg is an astonishing blend of tradition and the future.

Rooted in its rural culture and history, Luxembourg is a country proud of its culture and folklore. It knows how to preserve and promote its customs, often stemming from its Catholic religious traditions. Typical festivals are celebrated throughout the country. They serve as a catalyst for integration in today's multicultural society.

On the other hand, Luxembourg is also a modern country, resolutely looking to the future. It is constantly adapting to the changes of our century. Its social advances and urban development bear witness to this.

As a result of its multicultural development, other festivities have been added to Luxembourg traditions. Luxembourg residents are fond of celebrations. There's not a weekend that goes by when you can't take part in folkloric and festive events.

Agenda of traditional Luxembourg festivals

Discover the main traditional Luxembourg festivals you can attend or take part in in Luxembourg.

"Dräikinneksdag - Epiphany on January 6

On January 6, Luxembourgers celebrate Epiphany ("Dräikinneksdag"). This Christian festival celebrates the arrival of the Magi with the newborn baby Jesus.

To mark the occasion, a "galette des Rois" is eaten. This is a puff pastry cake made with frangipane. It contains a bean. The person who finds the bean becomes the king or queen of the day. Epiphany is not a public holiday in Luxembourg.
Galettes des rois can be found in all Luxembourg patisseries and supermarkets from the end of December.

"Liichtmëssdag - Candlemas on February 2

On Candlemas Day, stock up on sweets and pancakes. On February 2, children celebrate Liichtmëssdag.

In the late afternoon, the children ring the bell at each house. Equipped with lanterns they made at school, they sing the traditional song "Léiwer Härgottsblieschen..." at each door. They invite you to give them sweets or change. Afterwards, they'll share their booty in the warmth of a house, while enjoying some delicious pancakes. .

Be ready to welcome them!

"Fuesend - Carnival festivities

Luxembourgers celebrate Carnival throughout the period between Candlemas (February 2) and Ash Wednesday in March. Masked balls, processions and cavalcades take place throughout the country. At the end of Carnival, the "Stréimännchen", literally the straw man, is burned. This ceremony can be seen in Remich.

Fuessonndeg and Fuesméindeg are the most festive days of the year. Get your best disguise ready for the joyous cavalcades in Luxembourg's main towns.

"Buergbrennen - Brandon Sunday

Buergbrennen is celebrated on the first Sunday after Carnival (Buergsonndeg), usually in late February or early March. Villagers set up huge bonfires in their villages. After a torchlight procession, the bonfires are set alight at dusk to symbolically chase away winter.

It's the occasion for a big celebration in the towns and villages, with tastings of traditional local Luxembourg dishes.

"Bretzelsonndeg" - Pretzel Sunday

Pretzelsonndeg is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. The tradition is for the man to offer a pretzel to the woman of his choice. In leap years, the tradition is reversed: the woman offers the pretzel.

Give a pretzel to the one you love to declare your love!

"Ouschteren - Easter traditions in March/April

Easter traditions are very important in Luxembourg. They are rooted in the Christian religion.

They start with the Pallemsonndeg (Palm Sunday) and end on Easter Monday with the Eimaischen market or Emmaus Festival.

Easter also marks the return of the Bretzelsonndeg.

"Meekranz" on May 1st

Every May 1st, wreaths of foliage (Meekranz) are hung in the villages on the facade of a house symbolizing a meeting place.

Pilgrimage and Oktav Market in May

The Oktav pilgrimage is the most important religious event of the year. It is celebrated in honor of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.

For two weeks, pilgrims converge on Luxembourg Cathedral. The procession of the Virgin Mary closes the pilgrimage.
The Oktav Mäertchen is held in parallel. This traditional market is held on Place Guillaume II and Place de la Constitution in Luxembourg City.

Our Lady of Fatima pilgrimage in May

Every Ascension Thursday (Christ Himmelfahrt), a pilgrimage is organized to the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Wiltz. Pilgrims pay homage to the Virgin Mary, who appeared in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917.
The pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima is a tradition for Luxembourg's Portuguese community.

"Gënzefest", Whit Monday in May

The Gënzefest is the traditional broom festival. It takes place every Whit Monday in Wiltz.

"Sprangsprëssessioun" or dancing procession in May/June

The Tuesday after Pentecost (Péngschtsonnden) is the Sprangprëssessioun or dancing procession in Echternach . This ancient religious tradition is unique. Every year, it attracts thousands of curious onlookers to the town of Echternach.
This religious procession is internationally renowned. It has been listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site since 2010.

"Nationalfeierdag or National Holiday June 23

Luxembourg's national holiday is celebrated on June 23. Each commune celebrates the event with its citizens, whatever their nationality.

In the capital, the festivities begin on June 22 with the solemn changing of the guard. A torchlight procession and a magnificent fireworks display are organized in the evening.
On June 23, the Philharmonie hosts an official ceremony with the Grand Ducal family. The Grand Duke and the Hereditary Grand Duke then review the troops, before attending two parades: one military and one non-military. In the afternoon, a Te Deum is celebrated in Luxembourg's Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as in all the country's churches.

"Leiffrawëschdag or Harvest Festival on August 15

Luxembourg has a long tradition of agriculture. Greiveldange celebrates the harvest on August 15. An opportunity to showcase and taste local produce. Come and witness the blessing of the Wësch, a bouquet of herbs and vegetables.

"Schueberfouer" or "Schuebi" in August - September

The Schueberfouer is a veritable institution in Luxembourg. It attracts over 2 million visitors every year.

It's the biggest funfair in Luxembourg and the Grande-Région. It takes place from the end of August to the beginning of September. This great fair brings together young and old on the Champ du Glacis at Limpertsberg, everyone enjoying the festive atmosphere with numerous attractions designed for all ages.

"Trauulicht" at the end of October

Trauulicht is a variation on Halloween pumpkins. For Trauulicht, grimacing faces are carved out of beet. They're supposed to keep evil spirits at bay.

"De Kleeschen or Saint Nicholas on December 6

On Niklosdag, the Kleeschen distributes gifts to well-behaved children. The day before, children place their slippers in front of their bedroom door. St. Nicholas can then place sweets and gifts on the door.
December 6 is a public holiday for children inbasic education.

"Chrëschtdag or Christmas on December 25

Enjoy the enchantment of Christmas festivities and Advent markets. Christmas is a Christian holiday, celebrated on December 25, the day of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth (Chreschtdag).

On Christmas Eve, midnight mass is celebrated at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg and in churches throughout the country.
For Luxembourg children, it's not Santa Claus who brings the presents, but Chrëschtkëndchen, which means "the Christ Child". Christmas is also a time for sharing a hearty meal with the family.

Saint Etienne or "Stiewesdag" is celebrated on December 26. Like Christmas Day, it is a public holiday in Luxembourg.

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