National holiday in Luxembourg: June 23

Luxembourg has a strong sense of national identity. Every year, all residents of the Grand Duchy come together to celebrate Luxembourg's National Day on June 23. From solemn ceremonies to popular gatherings, this festive day is of great importance to all residents of Luxembourg, whether they are Luxembourg nationals or not.

History and traditions of June 23 in Luxembourg

The National Day is a powerful symbol of Luxembourg's unity.

History of Luxembourg's National Day

Luxembourg's National Day has been celebrated since the 18th century as the birthday of Luxembourg's sovereign, the Grand Duke. It is known as "Groussherzogsgebuertsdag" or "Nationalfeierdag" in Luxembourgish. The date has changed significantly over the years, depending on the reigning sovereign. The date of this National Day was set at January 23 in 1919 with the accession to the throne of Grand Duchess Charlotte, an iconic figure in Luxembourg's history. In 1947, the National Day became a public holiday in Luxembourg. Since 1961, the National Day has been celebrated on June 23. The start of the summer season and the milder weather allow people to enjoy the festivities more fully.

The Grand Ducal family at the heart of the national festivities

HRH the Grand Duke and HRH the Grand Duchess, along with the entire royal family, play a central role in the National Day celebrations. Traditionally, the festivities begin the day before, on June 22. While the streets of the capital come alive with mini-concerts, a solemn changing of the guard takes place in front of the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City at around 4 p.m. The Grand Duke and his wife then travel to a commune in Luxembourg outside the capital. They then attend the traditional torchlight procession. On June 23, the Philharmonie in Luxembourg-Kirchberg is the venue for official ceremonies. Starting at 10 a.m., the Prime Minister and HRH the Grand Duke give official speeches in front of the guests. The Grand Duke then presents honorary distinctions in the Civil and Military Order of Adolphe of Nassau to certain citizens who have made a special contribution to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The festivities then continue with a traditional 21-gun salute in honor of the Luxembourg sovereign. HRH the Grand Duke and the Hereditary Grand Duke then review the troops during a military parade. The parade ends at Constitution Square, under the gaze of the Gelle Fra. The Grand Ducal family then watches the festivities from an official tribune set up on Boulevard F. D. Roosevelt, at the corner of Rue de la Congrégation. A solemn Te Deum mass is then held 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 the state and religion in Luxembourg. The national anthem "Ons Heemecht"(translation: "Our Homeland") is sung. The lyrics, written by Luxembourg poet Michel Lentz in 1859, are a call for peace.

National Day celebrations

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

Street entertainment, torchlight procession, and fireworks on June 22

On the eve of National Day, the festivities begin in Luxembourg City and in towns across the country, with a focus on fun, popular entertainment, and music, including concerts of all kinds and DJ sets. The streets of the capital are usually filled with street bands and live concerts. The Place du Glacis, particularly in the Limpertsberg district, vibrates to the sound of national and international music groups. In the evening, a torchlight procession, known as "Fakelzuch," takes place in the streets of Luxembourg City, starting at Rouge in the city center and ending at Avenue de la Gare. A variety of entertainment and small street vendors also contribute to the festive and friendly atmosphere in the capital. A magnificent 20-minute fireworks display, known as "Freedefeier," is then set off from the Adolphe Bridge at 11:00 p.m. The event attracts nearly 100,000 people every year , who come from all over the Greater Region to attend. For the best view, head to the Gare district (Place de Metz), Hollerich, Place de la Constitution or the Viaduc (Al Breck). Electronic music fans can head to the Champ du Glacis for the fifth edition of City Sounds, with an open-air stage on June 22 and 23. Admission is free. They can also choose the more prestigious setting of Neumunster Abbey for a special "Beyond Music" evening on Grand Duke's Night.

Festive events on June 23 in Luxembourg

All of the country's municipalities are also actively participating in this celebration. First , a "Te Deum" is sung in all of the country's churches. After the mayor's speech to his constituents, citizens can participate in all kinds of festivities in each municipality. The army also celebrates at Place des Martyrs. The public can admire military vehicles and enjoy a friendly drink. Once again this year, children can enjoy the Spillfest or Games Festival on the Kinnekswiss in the Ville-Haute district from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Participation is free of charge. Food and drink will be available on site. Residents of all nationalities are cordially invited to take part in the festivities. Contact your municipality for the program. On this day, Luxembourg truly shines as a multicultural nation!

We wish you a wonderful National Day!

Does June 23 make you want to discover more of the Grand Duchy's cultural riches? Don't miss the Museum Days in Luxembourg, which are particularly popular because they are free of charge.