All Saints, Candlelight and Halloween

November 1 is a public holiday in Luxembourg. Around this date, several traditional and family celebrations coexist. It must be said that Luxembourg is deeply multicultural. So, All Souls' Day, All Saints' Day, Halloween, Trauliicht—what do these celebrations mean?And how are they celebrated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg?

Tribute to the deceased: All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day

All Saints' Day (Allerhellegen) – November 1

All Saints' Day is a Christian religious holiday that celebrates all saints, whether canonized or not. All Saints' Day, November 1, is a public holiday. Children are usually on vacation for the entire week.

The vast majority of Luxembourgers are Catholic and use this day to reflect and honor the saints. Religious celebrations are held in churches across the country. Attending these services is important for believers.

Although All Saints' Day focuses on the saints, it is also a day when Luxembourgers traditionally visit the cemetery to pay their respects at the graves of their deceased loved ones. Graves are cleaned and decorated with flowers, particularly chrysanthemums, which symbolize immortality in European culture.

All Souls' Day (Allerséilen) – November 2

All Souls' Day, or the Commemoration of All Souls, follows immediately after All Saints' Day. Unlike All Saints' Day, which honors saints, All Souls' Day is dedicated to the memory of all the deceased.

On this day, masses are celebrated throughout the country to pray for the souls of the deceased. Families pray that their deceased loved ones will find eternal peace and reach paradise. The Day of the Dead is also marked by a strong tradition of contemplation at the cemetery.

November 2 is not a public holiday.

Trauliicht to chase away evil spirits in Luxembourg

The Luxembourgish tradition of Trauliicht or "All Saints' Day light" is an ancestral tradition of the Ardennes in particular.

Trauliicht comes from the Luxembourgish word "Trauer," which means "mourning," and "Licht," which means "light." This tradition symbolizes the memory of the deceased and comfort for bereaved families. It reflects a combination of Christian beliefs and local customs, emphasizing the idea that light symbolizes hope and eternal life.

In the Ardennes, Trauliicht is celebrated during beet week or "Trauliichtwochen." The tradition consists of parading through the streets at nightfall with "Traulichter."

These lanterns, carved by hand from beets and lit with candles, feature scary, grimacing faces. According to tradition, these Trauliichter are supposed to ward off evil spirits.

The Robbesscheier Tourist Center in the Luxembourg Ardennes organizes annual events around this Luxembourg tradition, which is reminiscent of Halloween.

Celebrating Halloween in Luxembourg

Although not strictly speaking a Luxembourgish tradition, the approach of October 31 and Halloween brings joy not only to Luxembourg's Anglo-Saxon community, but also to all children.

Halloween is fast approaching and, as is often the case, many parents are unsure what activities to do with their children. Just Arrived has selected several original ways for you to celebrate Halloween with your children in Luxembourg or the surrounding area! Costume ball? Creative workshops? Trick-or-treating?

Vianden Castle, evening with Dracula

Take part in the "Halloween – an evening with Dracula" event at Vianden Castle from 7:00 p.m. It will feature a musical performance combined with readings from Bram Stoker's famous novel, Dracula. Guests are encouraged to come in costume. This event is part of Vianden MusicDays, which runs from October 31 to November 4, 2024, featuring various concerts and cultural activities in several locations throughout the city.

Halloween Festival at Neumünster Abbey

On October 27, 2024, the Neumünster Abbey Cultural Center will be transformed into a place of horror, with activities for the whole family, such as scary stories and a ghostly maze.

American Halloween tradition with the AWCL

Every year, the American Women's Club of Luxembourg organizes a Halloween party in Luxembourg. Part of the proceeds from this party are donated to various local charities. Non-members of the AWCL are also welcome to attend. This event is open to the public. It will take place on October 19, 2024, starting at 12:00 p.m.

Halloween sewing workshop at the Kulturhaus in Niederanven

If your child isn't keen on costume parties or trick-or-treating, consider signing them up for a workshop at the Niederanven cultural center. Every year, children get creative with Halloween-themed crafts. This year, children can take part in a sewing class and choose between making a "bat apron" or a "ghost comforter."

Where to celebrate Halloween in the Greater Region?

Halloween magic at the Caves of Han

Come and experience Halloween at the Han Caves in Belgium. You can meet strange characters wandering around the Han Animal Park or in the Trolls' Lair, a unique trail through the caves. The events are scheduled from October 19 to November 3, 2024.

Costumes for everyone at Walygator and nightmarish parties

For Halloween, the entire Walygator park in Amnéville, France, is decked out in Halloween colors with Walloween events. Thousands of pumpkins, animated decorations, and street performances take over the amusement park. The Haunted House has plenty of surprises in store, as do the Evil Cups. Late-night events are also organized for special Halloween-themed evenings.

A great atmosphere and lots of surprises are guaranteed! Everything is done to amaze your children on Halloween! It's an opportunity for them to discover or rediscover this French amusement park in an original atmosphere. Everyone is invited to come in costume to have fun in the park in an atmosphere worthy of the best Halloween parties!

Europa-Park in Halloween colors

Until November 3, Europa Park in Germany is also getting into the Halloween spirit. Take part in all the scary moments and enjoy your stay in this huge amusement park near Luxembourg.

Another traditional event in Luxembourg is Liichtsmessdag, when children go from door to door begging for sweets.