The best parties Luxembourg

On the first Sunday after the carnival ( Buergsonnden), Luxembourgers celebrate the Buergbrennen, also called "Fête des Brandons". On this unusual day, Buergen (bonfires) are lit all over the country to chase away the winter and welcome the good weather. A torchlight procession ( Fakelzuch) is usually organized through the streets of the villages. In the evening, the inhabitants gather around the fire and share culinary specialties while drinking Glühwäin (mulled wine).

Once celebrated at the end of the harvest, the Leiffrawëschdag is a traditional festival that takes place in the wine-growing village of Greiveldange on Assumption Day. The day begins with a mass with choir during which the Wësch, a bouquet of herbs, vegetables and grains, is blessed. This is followed by all kinds of entertainment, including a ball in the early evening. It is also an opportunity to taste local culinary specialities accompanied by excellent Moselle wines.

Niklosdaag (St. Nicholas' Day) is celebrated in honour of Nicholas of Myre, a 4th century bishop, patron saint and protector of children. On the night of December 5-6, St. Nicholas visits houses to put sweets in children's shoes. During his procession through the streets of the towns, Kleeschen (Saint Nicholas) is accompanied by Houséker (the bogeyman), who punishes children who have not been good . He is said to be at the origin of Santa Claus.

On Candlemas Day and St. Blaise's Eve, the children will liichten (celebrate the light). Equipped with simple Liichtebengelcher or more elaborate lanterns, they trot from one house to another in groups of varying sizes and beg on the air of St. Blaise's Day: "Léiwer Herrgottsblieschen, gëff äis Speck an Ierbessen... ». Marking the beginning of the carnival period, Candlemas is also celebrated with delicious pancakes.

The Pretzelsonndeg is a traditional festival that takes place all over Luxembourg. On this special day, tradition has it that the man offers the woman he loves a pretzel (the famous pastry with the arms embraced) as a declaration of love. If the lucky woman feels the same way about him, she will offer him Easter eggs. On leap years, the roles are exchanged: the woman offers the pretzel and the man the eggs. In Luxembourg City, this tradition is so important that a procession distributes free pretzels.