Festivals & Traditions

FESTIVALS & TRADITIONS: OVERVIEW

JANUARY

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

New Year’s Eve

31 December

“Dinner for One” television classic

Every year on December 31, the Germans enjoy the television broadcast of this short 1963 British comedy sketch as part of their New Year's tradition. The host, Heinz Piper, introduces the sketch in German, but the play is performed in English by two British actors, May Warden (Miss Sophie) and Freddie Frinton (James). Miss Sophie is celebrating her 90th birthday, and her dutiful butler James accommodates her eccentric wishes to serve the dinner guests. It's very silly and entertaining for both young and old. (warning: depicts heavy alcohol consumption)

Based on a British cabaret sketch from the 1920s, the play was filmed in Hamburg in 1963 for a German variety show, which aired on the Norddeutcher Rundfunk (NDR) television network. In years since, it became a regular feature on New Year’s Eve and has become a cult classic in Germany, while remaining virtually unknown in the UK and other parts of the English-speaking world. However, with the emergence of the Internet and YouTube, it is starting to gain international recognition in recent years. The show is only 11 minutes and is aired several times on New Year’s Eve, beginning late afternoon. Here are some options for viewing THIS YEAR.

New Year’s Day (public holiday)

1 January

New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Luxembourg and surrounding countries. All stores and services will be closed. Don’t forget to give someone special a marzipan pig (sold at supermarkets and bakeries)--traditionally given as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in the New Year.

January étrennes (New Year’s gift)

This is the time of year to give a tip to your postman and garbage collectors. Your postal carrier might enjoy a gift of a few euros, a box of chocolate or bottle of wine or crémant.  A typical gift for the sanitation crew ranges from €2.50 per man to €20.00 for the entire crew. The standard for each commune is different.  If you are not sure, ask your neighbors what they normally give.  Don’t be surprised if your sanitation crew comes to your door asking for their gift. 
 

January sales

Typically, stores hold major sales during the first two weeks of January. Some of the discounts can be quite significant, but arrive early for the best selection. Because these major sales happen only twice a year (the other one in July), things are snatched up quickly.

SUNDAY SHOPPING: Usually on the first Sunday during the sales, stores will be open from 14:00-18:00 in a number of Luxembourg towns, including Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette and others.

Here are the January sale dates of THIS YEAR.

END OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Twelfth Night/Epiphany/Three Kings Day

6 January

This holiday falls on the twelfth day after Christmas and marks the official end of the Christmas season. In Luxembourg, it is known as Dréi Kinnek’s Daach. In Luxembourg, as elsewhere in Europe, it is celebrated with a galette des Rois (Dréi Kinnek’s Kuch, in Luxembourgish). This is a round, buttery puffed pastry with a filling of almond paste or apple. Topped with a gold crown, it contains a tiny hidden prize, usually ceramic, known as a fève (because the original prize was a fava bean). The person who gets the piece with the prize earns the honor of wearing the crown and being “King (or Queen) for a Day.”  Sold at bakeries and supermarkets during this time.
 

MARKETS & SHOPPING

Salon des Vins de Bordeaux et d'Aquitaine

January

Normally at the LuxExpo for three days, you can discover, taste and purchase wines--as well as cured meats and cheeses--from the French regions of Bordeaux and Aquitaine. According to one source, this is a fairly relaxed event as far as wine tastings go, where you can enjoy some wine tasting without the pressure to buy.

Further details on this year’s event, click HERE.