Public Holidays and National Traditions: Nationalfeierdag, Éimaischen, Liichtmëssdag

Luxembourg's festive calendar mixes Catholic heritage, national pride and cheerful local customs. Knowing the holidays helps you plan (shops close on legal holidays) and joining the traditions is one of the fastest ways to feel at home.

The 11 legal public holidays

Nationalfeierdag: 23 June

The National Day officially celebrates the birthday of the sovereign — by tradition on 23 June, whatever the actual date of birth. Festivities start on the evening of 22 June with a torchlight procession and spectacular fireworks over the capital, followed on 23 June by the official ceremony, a military parade and a Te Deum. Communes across the country hold their own celebrations.

Traditions through the year

• Liichtmëssdag (2 February): children walk from door to door at dusk carrying lanterns and singing 'Léiwer Härgottsblieschen' in exchange for sweets.
• Buergbrennen: on the first Sunday of Lent, villages burn a large bonfire to chase away winter.
• Éimaischen (Easter Monday): a folk market in Luxembourg City and Nospelt famous for the Péckvillercher, small clay bird whistles.
• Octave: a major Marian pilgrimage to the cathedral in spring, closing with a procession.
• Schueberfouer (late August): the great funfair founded in 1340 by John the Blind.

Make the most of a holiday, step by step

1. Check whether shops and services are closed — most are on legal holidays.
2. Look up your commune's programme; many events are free.
3. For 22–23 June, use public transport (free nationwide) as the capital's centre is closed to cars.
4. Try the seasonal specialities sold at each festival.

Holidays and your work contract

Public holidays are also labour-law rights. When a legal holiday falls on a Sunday or on a day you do not normally work, you are entitled to a compensatory day of leave to be taken later. Employees required to work on a public holiday receive increased pay under the Labour Code. Children have their own beloved date outside the legal list: on 6 December, Kleeschen (St Nicholas) brings gifts, and many families celebrate him more than Christmas Eve itself. December also fills with Christmas markets in the capital and across the communes — a good moment to taste warm winter drinks and local pastries while getting to know your neighbourhood.

Official sources

• Guichet.lu – Citizens (public holidays)
• luxembourg.public.lu – Traditions
• gouvernement.lu