GUDDE MOIEN

SIDD DIR VEKLEET? (Carnival in Luxembourg ..)

Today is “Fues-Sondenn” (Carnival Sunday) in Luxembourg and the festivities are in full swing. Fastnacht/Fasching/Carnival/Carnivale is celebrated in many parts of the world the most famous being Rio de Janeiro, Venice and the spectacular Mardi Gras event in New Orleans.

The very cute Hannah S. from Belvaux "am Jumm" - celebrating Carnival

Customs vary from country to country, some of the best known Carnival traditions include floats, parades, masquerade balls, dancing and singing, boisterous games and the throwing of confetti.  

As with many holidays, Carnival was adapted from pagan festivals. Some link it to the Saturnalian festival of ancient Rome others to 3500 year old Greek spring fertility celebrations. It is safe to say that the original festival was rooted in end-of-winter/beginning-of-spring rituals where grotesque masks, costumes and lots of noise were used to scare away the evil spirits and winter doldrums.

For those of Christian Faith, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday in England), the final party of indulgence before Ash Wednesday, marks the end of the Carnival Season and the beginning of the privations of Lent. 

Traditional carnival pastries in Luxembourg are abundant and delicious. “Verwurrelten Gedanken” (deep fried knotted pastry) and “Nonnefäscht” (donut dusted with powdery sugar) are our favorites.

We wish you “Schein Fuesdeeg” (Happy Carnival). Have fun, celebrate, be safe and don’t drink and drive.