Luxembourg, a realm of customs
With its agrarian background and past, Luxembourg is a proud country with a rich history. It can preserve and publicise its traditions, typically from Catholic religious rites. Usual festivals are celebrated across the realm, providing a means of assimilation in today’s diverse culture.
Luxembourg, on the other hand, exemplifies a forward-thinking, modern nation. It continually adjusts to the dynamics of our time, and its societal progressions and metropolis evolution bear witness to this.
Due to its multiethnic growth, Luxembourgish customs have been supplemented with additional events. Luxembourg residents like celebrations. There is rarely a weekend that does not include some folkloric or festive event.
Schedule of traditional Luxembourgish festivities
Discover the main traditional Luxembourgish events you can attend or participate in in Luxembourg.
“Dräikinneksdag” — Epiphany on January 6
On January 6, Luxembourgers celebrate Epiphany (“Dräikinneksdag”), a Christian event that recalls the Magi’s arrival with the newborn Jesus.
To mark the occasion, a “galette des Rois” is devoured. This is a puff pastry confection made with frangipane. It includes a legume. The person who discovers the legume is declared monarch of the day. Epiphany is not a national holiday in Luxembourg.
Galettes des Rois are available in all Luxembourgish patisseries and supermarkets beginning in late December.
“Liichtmëssdag” is Candlemas on February 2.
Stock up on confections and pancakes for Candlemas. On February 2, youngsters celebrate Liichtmëssdag.
In the evening, the children chime the bells at each house. At each threshold, they play the customary ditty “Léiwer Härgottsblieschen…” while wearing lanterns made at school. They ask for candy or money. They will then divide their riches in the cosiness of a home while eating delicious pancakes.
Prepare to welcome them. Fuesend – Carnival celebration
Luxembourgers celebrate Carnival between Candlemas (February 2) and Ash Wednesday in March. Masquerade balls, processions, and parades take place around the realm. After Carnival, the “Stréimännchen,” or straw man, is burned. This rite can be seen in Remich.
Fuessonndeg and Fuesméindeg are the most celebratory days of the year. Prepare your best disguise for the colourful parades in Luxembourg.
“Buergbrennen – Brandon Sunday.”
Buergbrennen is remembered on the first Sunday after Carnival (Buergsonndeg), usually in late February or early March. Villagers build massive bonfires within their hamlets. Following a torchlight parade, the bonfires are lit at sunset to symbolically expel winter.
It’s the occasion for a spectacular celebration in the hamlets and villages, complete with samples of traditional Luxembourgish cuisine.
“Bretzelsonndeg” — Pretzel Sunday
Bretzelsonndeg is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. The tradition requires the male to deliver a pretzel to the chosen female. The ritual is inverted in leap years, with the female offering the pretzel.
Send a pretzel as a token of affection. Ouschteren: Easter Traditions in March/April
Easter traditions are very important in Luxembourg. They are deeply committed to Christianity.
They begin with 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, garlands of foliage (Meekranz) are hung in the hamlets on the exterior of a dwelling to represent a rendezvous point.
Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrimage in May
Every Ascension Thursday (Christ Himmelfahrt), a pilgrimage is organised to the Our Lady of Fatima sanctuary in Wiltz. Pilgrims adore the Virgin Mary, who appeared in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917.
The pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima is a tradition among Luxembourg’s Portuguese community.
Gënzefest”, Whit Monday in May.
The Gënzefest commemorates the traditional broom festival. It happens every Whit Monday in Wiltz.
Pilgrimage to Oktav Market in May
The Oktav pilgrimage is the most important religious event of the year. It honours the Virgin Mary, Jesus’ mother.
For a fortnight, pilgrims gather at Luxembourg Cathedral. The pilgrimage finishes with the procession of the Virgin Mary.
The Oktav Mäertchen is held concurrently. This historic market occurs in Luxembourg City on Place Guillaume II and Place de la Constitution.
The “Sprangsprëssessioun” or dancing procession occurs in May/June.
On the Tuesday after Pentecost (Péngschtsonnden), Echternach hosts the Sprangprëssessioun, a dancing parade. This old religious tradition is a unique phenomenon. Annually, it entices throngs of curious viewers to the township of Echternach.
This holy procession receives international acclaim. It has been recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site since 2010.
Nationalfeierdag or National Holiday, June 23
Luxembourg’s national holiday is celebrated on June 23. Every commune celebrates the occasion with its residents, regardless of nationality.
In the capital, the festivities begin on June 22 with the solemn changing of the guard. The evening features a torchlit procession and a spectacular fireworks display.
On June 23, the Philharmonie will hold an official ceremony with the Grand Ducal family. The Grand Duke and Hereditary Grand Duke will then review the troops before participating in military and civilian parades. A Te Deum will be held in Luxembourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral in the afternoon, alongside the country’s churches.
The “Leiffrawëschdag”, or Harvest Festival, is on August 15.
Luxembourg has a longstanding agricultural tradition. Greiveldange celebrates the harvest on August 15. An opportunity to promote and enjoy local food. Come witness the blessing of the Wësch, an assortment of herbs and vegetables.
“Schueberfouer” or “Schuebi” in August and September.
The Schueberfouer represents an authentic institution in Luxembourg. It receives more than 2 million visitors per year.
It is the premier funfair in Luxembourg and the Grande-Région. It runs from the end of August to the start of September. This enormous fair brings together personalities.
