The Duchy of Luxembourg is a small state occupying an area of 2,586 square kilometers. The capital of the state is the city of Luxembourg . Despite the tiny size of the state, Luxembourg is recognized as one of the most prosperous states in Europe, the standard of living of the population here is very high.
The most interesting holidays
Every year in Luxembourg there are various celebrations that attract many tourists from all over the world. Below you will get acquainted with the most popular and massive holidays of the duchy.
Emeshen
Every year on the first Monday of the Easter week in a small Luxembourgish town of Nospel there is a festival called Emeshen. Traditionally, on this day there are fairs and markets where people's crafts are represented. On this day it is customary to exchange ridiculous whistles in the shape of birds and make wishes with each other. The festival is accompanied by mass street festivities with folk dances.
Burgzondeg
Annually on March 13, before the Day of Repentance in Luxembourg, a fire festival takes place - Burgzondeg. The youth rises to the hill and fires a fire there, which symbolizes the change of the season and the victory over the winter of the sun. The roots of the holiday go to pagan times, when the conversion of Luxembourg to Christianity, traditions were changed by the official church, now Burgzondeg is more organized entertainment for young people, conducted by some associations.
Fuesent
Fuesent is the Luxembourgian spring carnival, the peak of which falls on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. At this time the city is decorated with masquerade balls, adults and children dress up in carnival costumes. Children, by the way, have separate carnivals, called Kannerfuesbals, where it is customary to treat each other with cookies with the original name "Les pensees brouillees". Monday is an official day off.
Also in the spring are the Feast of the First Flowers, St. Willybrord's Day and the Catholic Festival Octave.
Birthday of the Grand Duke
Despite the fact that the Grand Duke was born on a completely different day, but it is on June 23 that Luxembourgers celebrate his birthday. The fun starts on the eve of the torchlight procession and evening fireworks.
Official congratulations are held until noon on June 23: the soldiers of the Luxembourg army escort the government representatives to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, where they are expected by a royal family, other government representatives and a large public.
After a short service of Te Deum, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg invites the diplomatic corps to have breakfast in the national theater, and the day at the Palace of the Grand Dukes ends with a festive dinner. All this day in the city are parades, fairs and festivities.
Festivals and fairs
End of August and beginning of September are marked by the holiday-fair Schobermes. Also interesting are: the beer festival that takes place in the capital of the duchy in September, the Ascension of the Lord, the festival "Kor de Capuchin", from March to May the festival "Musical Spring" is held, and rock festivals are held throughout the summer.
In August, Luxembourg hosts the festival Schueberführer, and in the Moselle Valley there are wine festivals, which last until late autumn
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During the national and religious holidays many private companies in Luxembourg do not work. The law provides for 10 days off, work in which will be paid in triple. If the holiday falls on the weekend, next Monday will be considered non-working. In addition, to work on a day off, an office employee will need permission from the Labor Party minister.