Luxembourg's culture and traditions

Luxembourg is one of the oldest states in Europe, founded on the ruins of the Roman Empire (before our era, these lands were inhabited by the Gauls, and the territory itself was part of this ancient state). The first ruler of Luxembourg was Count Siegfried, who gained independence in 963 and built a castle on this site. Later it became the center of the city and its casemates became one of the main attractions of the capital.

The Legend of Siegfried and Melusina

A beautiful love story of Siegfried and Melusina has been passed down from those distant times. 

Юлиус Хюбнер, «Мелюзина». Источник: volobuef.tripod.com

For several centuries, these lands have been contested by many nations. Here are some important dates in the history of Luxembourg:

• 1830: During the Belgian Revolution, part of Luxembourg's territory was taken by a neighboring state;
• 1866: "Luxembourg Crisis" — Napoleon tried to buy Luxembourg, but this was resented by Germany;
• 1867: During negotiations in London, Luxembourg was granted the status of permanent neutral territory;
• 1914 and 1940: occupation by German armies;
• 1948: the state renounced permanent neutrality;
• 1992: Luxembourg became a founding member of the European Union.

During the Luxembourg crisis, the motto " Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sin " ("We want to stay as we are") spread throughout the country. It remains the Grand Duchy's motto to this day. It can be found on some of Luxembourg's buildings, as well as on the coat of arms or the flag. The motto itself is a good example of the Luxembourgish people's commitment to identity: throughout their history, the inhabitants of this country have cherished their culture, their traditions and their distinctive identity.

Источник: en.wikipedia.org

Owing to its rich history and its strategic location in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg has become home to many museums. The museums of the Grand Duchy are an endless source of information, allowing you to get a complete picture of the country's culture. As in many other countries and cities, the museums of Luxembourg can be divided into several categories.

Art galleries

One of the biggest categories is art museums and galleries. Here are three of the most popular galleries in the Grand Duchy.

MUDAM: Grand Duke Jean Museum of Contemporary Art

Villa Vauban: Museum of Fine Arts

Casino Luxembourg: contemporary art museum

Historical museums

Owing to its ancient history, Luxembourg has a lot to tell those who live in and visit the Grand Duchy. You can learn more about the Grand Duchy's past in its many museums.

Musée National de la Résistance

Musée d'Histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg

MNHN: National Museum of Natural History

Other museums

In addition to art galleries and historical museums, Luxembourg has other unusual collections. Here are some interesting examples of how to spend your free time.

The Cinémathèque

Tramsmusée

Toy Museum Clervaux

Luxembourg is proud of its history, its culture and its rich traditions. Twice in its history it has been awarded the honorary title of European Capital of Culture: in 1995 and 2007. There are nine UNESCO sites on its territory. The famous UNESCO World Heritage List included the capital's districts and fortresses in 1994. Later, the organization also recognized nature reserves, geoparks and the intangible heritage of the Grand Duchy.

Luxembourg's historic district and fortresses

Source: Yuri Shirota, Unsplash

This is the heart of the state, the famous walls where Siegfried lost his beloved. Unfortunately, due to numerous wars and turmoil from the 16th to the 19th century, the walls of the fortress were repeatedly dismantled and rebuilt. Today it is one of the most popular tourist sites in the country.

Minett Region

Source: visitluxembourg.com

This nature reserve in the south of Luxembourg is on the UNESCO list of protected areas. It covers more than 200 kilometers (about 1/10 of the total area of the country). There is a special red trail (80 kilometers), thanks to which the reserve is sometimes called "The Land of Red Rocks". In the past, the steel industry was developed and iron was mined here. Now its amazing biosphere is protected by a world organization.

The exhibition "Family of man"

Source: visitluxembourg.com

This exhibition was organized in 1955 by the photographer Edward Steichen (born in Luxembourg and raised in the United States) for the New York Museum of Modern Art. Its main characters are people who lived in the 1950s, and the exhibition itself is divided into 32 themes, arranged chronologically. The exhibition is now at the Museum of Clervaux and is also on the UNESCO Memory of the World list.

University of Luxembourg

Source: researchluxembourg.org

A special network of UNESCO universities includes a chair in human rights at the University of Luxembourg. Students and staff actively contribute to the activities of the world organization, participate in international conferences and organize global events.

Most of Luxembourg's sites can be found on the UNESCO intangible heritage list:

Source: GukHwa Jang, Unsplash

Thanks to its ancient history, Luxembourg boasts many unusual buildings: castles, abbeys, monasteries and various fortifications. You can find something unusual and interesting just by stepping over the threshold! The Grand Duchy will surprise everyone, even the most demanding traveler.

There are 76 castles and châteaux, the most beautiful of which are in Vianden, Beaufort, Bourscheid, Clairvaux and Larochette, but others are worth a visit, especially if you travel with a guide or an expert on Luxembourg's history.

To be honest, I'm not a big fan of castles and chateaus. But when you see them up close you can't help but feel something: their magnificence and the power of a bygone age. I don't know how to explain this feeling of connection, it is simply fascinating. It is true that the state of the castles varies, but in the last few years, the government has been gradually buying up the most important sites and restoring them.

In addition, these castles or their ruins often host traditional festivals, exhibitions, open-air concerts and other events. If you have a memorable date on your calendar and don't know where to go, try visiting the nearest castle: you're sure to find fairs, tastings, musical performances and activities for children.

Grand Ducal Palace

Vianden Castle

Beaufort Castle

The people of Luxembourg are very fond of folk festivals — there are so many different festivals for all ages and tastes.

Medieval fairs

These festivals are among the most popular in Luxembourg. Traditionally, they are held in the streets or within the walls of castles or their ruins.

Performances

There are jousting tournaments, performances of troubadours and minstrels, jesters or street theater troupes amuse the crowd, and for the most sophisticated — there are competitions in shooting medieval weapons.

Tastings

The program includes tastings and special markets. Here you can enjoy unusual traditional dishes, fresh food and drinks, and of course, buy some treats to take home.

Artisans

This is where artisans display their work to the public. Here you can find magical candles or aromatic oils, mysterious amulets, handmade jewelry and much more.

You can find these festivals in almost every castle, mostly in the summer or fall when it is warm. Here are some of the most popular events that take place regularly in the Grand Duchy.

Musical open-airs

Open-air music festivals are a summer tradition that has spread all over the world, and Luxembourg is no exception. Every year, dozens of events take place here, bringing together hundreds of artists and thousands of music lovers from all over Europe.

Lives

Of course, the best part is seeing your favorite artist live, singing along to your favorite hits, and dancing with your friends to familiar beats.

Picnics

Some festivals begin in the afternoon, giving visitors the opportunity to dine al fresco with live music and enjoy the summer scenery.

Workshops and souvenirs

Some festivals have unusual workshops where you can learn something new and even make some unusual crafts. Especially if it is a workshop for children.

Luxembourg's music scene is rich in events. Here are some of the biggest festivals that take place every year.

Cinema festivals

Another large category of the Grand Duchy's screenings are film festivals. Despite its modest size, Luxembourg has given the world several movie stars, such as actress Vikki Krieps, director Anne Fontaine and filmmaker Bady Minck.

Watch a new movie

Festival organizers always bring something new and unusual from the world of shows. These can be both high-profile premieres and real gems of cinematography that sometimes go unnoticed by the general public.

Meet celebrities

Major festivals, especially if they have a competitive program, often have guests — world stars who give press conferences or just enjoy chatting with fans between screenings.

Learn something new

The programs include workshops or master classes, as well as lectures by film experts, authors of acclaimed films, screenwriters, directors or critics who are eager to share their experiences and opinions on this or that cultural phenomenon.

Of course, there are not as many film festivals in Luxembourg as there are music festivals. But that only makes them more valuable and their programs more concentrated. Here are some of the country's most colorful events.

Source: Luxtoday

The Kulturpass is a special card that allows people with a low income to save money on cultural events in Luxembourg. It is free, personalized and valid for two years.

Through this program, Kulturpass holders receive discounted or free admission to museums and other cultural institutions, as well as access to concerts, festivals, theater performances, and more.

Documents for processing

The process of obtaining the card is not complicated: you just need to come to one of the program's collection points with the necessary documents.

Documents for obtaining a KulturpassDocuments for obtaining a Kulturpass

Check the documents

It won't take long, there aren't that many of them.

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

The written proof of the cost of living allowance

The document must be delivered by the National Solidarity Fund (FNS)

ID Card

Or passport

The form for Kulturpass

It is provided by one of our social partners

Check the documents

It won't take long, there aren't that many of them.

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

Once your application is approved, you will receive your Kulturpass.

Where the Kulturpass can be accessed

Partners in the program include dozens of museums, cultural centers, concert halls, festivals, and many other institutions.  For example, the CinEast and LOA festivals, which we told you about earlier, are participating in the program. Here are the largest participants:

Rotondes

This cultural center hosts exhibitions, performances, concerts and many other events of contemporary art and beyond.Address: 3 Place des Rotondes, 2448 Bonneweg-Nord Luxemburg

Phone: +352 26 62 20 07

Website: rotondes.lu

neimënster

Культурный центр одноименного аббатства знаменит своими яркими фестивалями, кинопоказами, а также концертами.

Address: Centre Culturel de Rencontre Abbaye de Neumünster, 28 Rue Münster, 2160 Grund Luxembourg

Phone: +352 26 20 52 1

Website: neimenster.lu

Atelier

One of the largest concert venues in the country, it consistently attracts renowned artists from around the world.

Address: 54 Rue de Hollerich, 1740 Gare Luxembourg

Phone: +352 495 485-1

Website: atelier.lu

Conservatoire de musique

At the Luxembourg Conservatory, you can listen to masterpieces of the classical musical heritage, meet musicians and immerse yourself in the world of academic or jazz music.Address: 33 Rue Charles Martel, 2134 Hollerich Luxembourg

Phone: +352 47 96 55 55

Website: conservatoire.esch.lu

Philharmonie Luxembourg

Another place where international stars perform with enviable frequency for lovers of classical music and symphony orchestras.Address: 1 Pl. de l'Europe, 1499 Clausen Luxembourg

Phone: +352 26 32 26 32

Website: philharmonie.lu

Kasematten-theater

It offers the widest range of theatrical performances, from daring contemporary productions to traditional adaptations of the classics.

Address: 14 Rue du Puits, 2355 Bouneweg-Süd Luxembourg

Phone: +352 29 12 81

Website: kasemattentheater.lu

Theatre de la Ville de Luxembourg

One of the main theaters of the capital of Luxembourg will also participate in the program and will offer the opportunity to Kultugrass owners to attend performances at a discounted price.

Address: 1 Bd Robert Schuman, 2525 Ville-Haute Luxembourg

Phone: +352 47 96 39 00

Website: theatres.lu

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Luxembourgish cuisine is an essential part of the Grand Duchy's culture: no celebration is complete without a traditional dish. During festivities, you will always be offered a taste of a local specialty, and the secrets of preparing some of them are kept by families and handed down from generation to generation.

Cuisine features

Generous portions

This feature came to Luxembourg from Germany: be careful — sometimes just one plate can be enough to fill your belly!

Special aftertaste

Luxembourg inherited this sophistication from France. And just like its neighbor, Luxembourg likes to decorate its dishes with beauty and elegance.

Seafood

The Luxembourgers love crayfish and river fish. They cook them in such a way that the dish surpasses in taste any delicacy from the land of the sea.

Sweets and pastries

The people of the Grand Duchy have a sweet tooth. They are particularly fond of chocolate (hello from Belgium!) and liqueur-based desserts.

Luxembourg's main dishes

Of course, it is difficult to list the most popular or most important national dishes of the Grand Duchy: everyone likes something different. But if you want to get to know Luxembourg's cuisine, you can start with these delicacies.

Judd met Gaardebounen

Ardennes ham

River trout

Bretzel

Sweet pastries

Where to taste national dishes

The traditional cuisine of Luxembourg can be enjoyed in many restaurants throughout the Grand Duchy. For more authentic tastes, you can attend special fairs, festivals or tastings that are held from time to time in different parts of the country and in different places.