Luxembourg National Day

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The Groussgaass ( Grand-Rue ) in Luxembourg with flags for the national holiday (2014)
The torchlight procession in Vianden (2014)
Military and civil parade on Luxembourg National Day (2016)

The Luxembourg National Day ( Luxembourgish Lëtzebuerger Nationalfeierdag , French Fête nationale luxembourgeoise ) is celebrated every year on June 23 .

history

Since the end of the 18th century it has been a tradition to celebrate the birthday of the respective ruler. Although Wilhelm III. Born on February 19th, the holiday was moved to June 17th, 1850, the birthday of his wife, Queen Sophie . This is also because of the proximity to the death of his brother, Prince Alexander, who died on February 20, 1848.

Under Grand Duchess Charlotte , the celebration fell on January 23rd, in the middle of winter. That is why it was decided in 1961 - for purely climatic reasons - to celebrate the Grand Duchess' birthday on June 23rd. This date was retained when Grand Duke Jean ascended the throne on November 12, 1964, presumably because it was the day before his name day Johannes (Jean) , which is celebrated as Gehaansdag on June 24 .

The date also remains under the current Grand Duke Henri , but no longer has any direct reference to the monarch. Nevertheless, the national holiday in Luxembourg is often referred to as the Grand Duke's Birthday (Grand Duke's birthday ).

Celebrations

The celebrations begin on the eve of June 23rd with the changing of the guard in front of the Grand Ducal Palace . One of the most important events of the evening is the torchlight procession , during which national and local associations, marching bands and folklore groups parade through the city ​​of Luxembourg . This is followed by a large fireworks display with musical accompaniment. The grand ducal couple visit a different city in the country every year on this day.

On the national holiday itself, parades, church services, concerts and receptions are held. In the capital , a military and civil troop parade and a solemn Te Deum are held in the Cathedral of Our Lady . 21 cannon shots in honor of the Grand Duke end the day.

Web link

Commons : Luxembourg National Day  - collection of images, videos and audio files