Celebrate Easter

As Luxembourg's schoolchildren enjoy their spring break, the traditional Easter celebrations are back. It's time to remember what they mean for the Christian community and for Luxembourg.

Religious traditions: Easter in Luxembourg

Easter celebrations for Christians

Easter is a major Christian religious holiday. For Christians in Luxembourg and around the world,it marks the end of Lent, which follows the Carnival period. In 2026, Easter Sunday will fall on April 5. For Christians, Easter religious celebrations begin on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. These celebrations commemorate the last days of Jesus, the son of God. On Thursday evening, Jesus shares a last meal with his disciples while announcing that one of them will betray him. This episode has been immortalized in Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, The Last Supper. After the meal, following the betrayal of his disciple Judas, Jesus is arrested by the Romans. The Roman authorities wanted to get rid of this "King of the Jews" who was gathering crowds. The next day, following the decision of the people, Jesus is crucified along with two thieves. Good Friday is a dark day for Christians who commemorate the death of Jesus. Traditionally, no meat is eaten on this day. On Saturday, while Jesus is buried in his tomb, Christians celebrate the traditional Easter vigil with prayers in churches across the country. Easter Sunday is a very important day for Christians. On this day, they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Two women who came to pay homage to Jesus discovered the empty tomb . As he had announced, Jesus had gone to be with God. Easter is the second most important holiday for Christians, after Christmas. Jesus was born on Christmas Day , December 25. This holiday is widely celebrated in Luxembourg. Candlemas marks the presentation of the baby Jesus at the temple, 40 days after his birth.

Easter celebrations in Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a Christian tradition, so Easter is a public holiday. Easter Sunday is a day off, as is the Monday after Easter. Easter week is called "Karwoch" in Luxembourg. It is a week of reflection and prayer for Christians. In Luxembourg, the Thursday before Easter is called "Gréngen Donneschdeg." On this day, Luxembourgers tend to eat vegetables. If you go to mass on Easter Sunday, you will probably receive a painted hard-boiled egg to celebrate the renewal and resurrection of Jesus. Easter Monday welcomes the Péckvillercher to the traditional Eimaischen markets.

Rattles or "Klibberen" replace the bells of Luxembourgish churches

According to local custom, bells no longer ring in Luxembourg's towns and cities from Maundy Thursday before Easter Sunday. According to tradition, church bells are said to travel to Rome, the capital of Catholicism. Church organs must also remain silent to respect the contemplation of the faithful in memory of Jesus' death. To replace the bells and invite the faithful to contemplation, children go around the villages with rattles (Klibber). Three times a day (morning, noon, and evening), they call people to prayer in the churches. This period of "Klibberen" lasts until the bells return to the churches on Easter Sunday. The bells can be heard ringing on that day to announce the resurrection of Jesus. You will notice "Kilbberen" signs at the entrance to Luxembourg villages and towns. Depicting children with rattles, they urge motorists to exercise extreme caution and slow down on the streets. As a reward for this "Klibberen," children come knocking on your door on Saturday afternoon or Easter Sunday. They come looking for chocolate eggs or money. Have some treats or even a little change ready if these children knock on your door! The Klibberen tradition has been listed as part of Luxembourg's intangible cultural heritage since 2022.

Easter egg hunts in Luxembourg

In addition to being a religious holiday, Easter is also a family celebration that gives rise to traditional egg hunts. Many establishments, municipalities, and associations organize large egg hunts. Children and even adults are invited to participate. Ask your local council for more information. It's worth noting that in Luxembourg, eggs are brought by the Easter Bunny (Ouschterhues) and notby bells! The Easter period is one of Luxembourg's most enchanting traditions. In addition to the Easter festivities, this period also marks the renewal of nature with the arrival of spring. The Eimaischen market on Easter Monday celebrates this renewal with little whistling birds. A great family outing! The Easter period means two weeks of vacation for schoolchildren and high school students. Be sure to keep them busy during this time. To learn more about Luxembourg's traditions, explore how the Buergbrennen, a spectacular fire, symbolizes the end of winter with a bang.