Luxembourg customs and traditional festivals

Luxembourg, a country of traditions and charm

Luxembourg is an astonishing blend of deeply rooted traditions and a future firmly focused on modernism. This small European country, rich in rural culture and a thousand years of history, proudly preserves its customs and folklore.

Luxembourg's festivals and customs often stem from Christian religious traditions. They provide an opportunity for popular celebrations that bring together all residents, regardless of their origin. These traditions also help to integrate newcomers into today's multicultural society, while adding a unique charm to the daily lives of residents and expatriates alike.

Despite the social and economic changes that have shaped Luxembourg, the country continues to promote its traditions, while integrating new influences from its international residents. Immerse yourself inthe calendar of traditional Luxembourgish festivals and let yourself be seduced by a living and festive heritage.

Traditional Luxembourgish festivals: a calendar rich in customs

Discover the main traditional Luxembourgish festivals that you can attend or participate in in Luxembourg.

"Dräikinneksdag" - Epiphany on January 6

On January 6, Epiphany or "Dräikinneksdag" celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus, born on December 25 according to Christian tradition. Traditionally , Luxembourgish families enjoy a galette des rois, a puff pastry cake filled with frangipane. The person who finds the bean becomes the king or queen for the day.

Although it is not a public holiday, this tradition remains very popular. Bakeries and supermarkets sell galettes des rois from the end of December.

"Liichtmëssdag" - Candlemas on February 2

On Candlemas Day, February 2, children celebrate Liichtmëssdag. In the late afternoon, they walk through the streets with lanterns they made at school, singing "Léiwer Härgottsblieschen...", a traditional song. In exchange for their performance, residents give them sweets or money.

This heartwarming custom makes Liichtmëssdag a day eagerly awaited by young people. In the evening, families gather to enjoy pancakes.

Get ready to celebrate Liichtmëssdag too: stock up on sweets and pancakes. You can find the recipe here.

"Fuesend" - Carnival celebrations

Luxembourg Carnival, or "Fuesend," is a festive period punctuated by masked balls, parades, and cavalcades throughout the country. The celebration reaches its peak with "Fuessonndeg" and "Fuesméindeg," days marked by colorful parades.

The most iconic event remains the "Stréimännchen," the symbolic burning of a straw man in Remich in the east of the country, to mark the end of the festivities and the approaching arrival of Lent.

The Carnival period runs from Candlemas (February 2) to Ash Wednesday in March, marking the beginning of Lent.

"Buergbrennen" - Burning Sunday

Buergbrennen, or Bonfire Sunday , 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 lit at nightfall to symbolically chase away winter.

This is an occasion for a big celebration in towns and villages, with tastings of traditional local Luxembourg dishes.

"Bretzelsonndeg" - Pretzel Sunday

Bretzelsonndeg or Pretzel Sunday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. According to tradition, on this day, men offer a pretzel to the woman they love. In leap years, the tradition is reversed: women offer the pretzel.

Offer a pretzel to the love of your life to declare your love!

"Ouschteren" – Easter traditions in March/April

Easter traditions are very important in Luxembourg. They are rooted in the Christian religion and mark the end of Lent. Klibberen is also listed as part of Luxembourg's intangible cultural heritage.

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

Easter is also when the return of Bretzelsonndeg is celebrated.

"Meekranz" on May 1

In addition to the Lily of the Valley Festival, May 1 is Meekranz Day in Luxembourg. On this occasion, wreaths of foliage (Meekranz) are hung in villages on the facade of a house that symbolizes 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 fifteen days, many pilgrims converge on Luxembourg Cathedral. The procession of the Virgin Mary closes the pilgrimage.
At the same time, the Oktav Mäertchen is held. This traditional market takes place on Place Guillaume II and Place de la Constitution in Luxembourg City.

Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima in May

Every Ascension Thursday (Christ Himmelfahrt), a pilgrimage is organized to the sanctuary 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 the Portuguese community in Luxembourg.

"Gënzefest," Whit Monday in May

Gënzefest is the traditional broom festival. It is held every Whit Monday in Wiltz.

"Sprangsprëssessioun" or dancing procession in May/June

On the Tuesday after Pentecost (Péngschtsonnden) , the Sprangprëssessioun or dancing procession takes place in Echternach. This ancient religious tradition is unique. Every year, it attracts thousands of curious visitors to the town of Echternach.
This religious procession enjoys international renown. It has been listed as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2010.

"Nationalfeierdag" or National Day June 23

Luxembourg's National Day is celebrated on June 23. Each municipality celebrates the event with its residents, regardless of their nationality. All residents are invited to participate in this great celebration.

In the capital, the festivities begin on June 22 with the solemn changing of the guard. A torchlight procession and 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 Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg, as well as in all the churches throughout the country.

"Leiffrawëschdag" or Harvest Festival on August 15

Luxembourg is a country with a long agricultural tradition. Greiveldange celebrates the harvest on August 15. This is an opportunity to showcase and taste local products. Come and watch the blessing of the bouquet of herbs and vegetables, known as the Wësch.

"Schueberfouer" or "Schuebi" in August-September

The Schueberfouer is a real institution in Luxembourg. It attracts more than 2 million visitors every year.

It is the largest funfair in Luxembourg and the Greater Region. It takes place from the end of August to the beginning of September. This huge fair brings together young and old alike on the Champ du Glacis in Limpertsberg, where everyone can enjoy 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 into beets. They are supposed to keep evil spirits away.

"De Kleeschen" or Saint Nicholas on December 6

On Niklosdag, the Kleeschen distributes gifts to well-behaved children. The night before, children place their shoes outside their bedroom door. Saint Nicholas will fill them with sweets and gifts.
December 6 is a holiday for children inelementary school.

"Chrëschtdag" or Christmas on December 25

Enjoy the magic of Christmas and the 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 City and in churches throughout the country.
For Luxembourgish children, it is not Santa Claus who brings gifts, but Chrëschtkëndchen, which means "the Baby Jesus." Christmas is also an opportunity to share a moment with the family over a hearty meal.

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

Luxembourg is a country that is proud of its past and its values. Its customs and traditional celebrations reflect a blend of history, folklore, and conviviality. They bear witness to a unique cultural richness.

For expats, these celebrations are an ideal opportunity to discover Luxembourgish traditions. It's also a chance to speak a few words in Luxembourgish! You can immerse yourself in the warm spirit of a nation with a strong immigrant population.

Find all our events in Luxembourg in our calendar.