The "Buergbrennen": a Luxembourgish tradition
To perceive immense crosses on fire in the 4 corners of the country can seem strange even a little frightening for the foreigners and visitors of Luxembourg… This is why we owe you some explanations. So what is the story behind this tradition ?
An atypical tradition
The "Buergbrennen", a traditional event in the Grand Duchy, will take place this Sunday March 1 st and will be celebrated on Saturday.
For a long time, the "Buergbrennen", also called " Brandons Festival Is synonymous with the end of winter : fire is supposed to chase away the spirits of the cold season and welcome spring ! The firing of the " Buerg Is usually preceded by a torchlight procession through the streets : the " Fakelzuch ".
The firing is often done in the form of a large fort, decorated with imposing crucifixes. Old Christmas trees are burned, for example, but no witches or animals, I promise. In several places, it is the bride and groom of the communes who light the fire.
Where to celebrate the Buergbrennen " ?
Want to feast around the fire with a good beer? Many Brandon Festivals are organized in the different cities and districts of Luxembourg :
Saturday 02/29/20
Right way : Procession leaving from the church at 7 p.m. Firing in Kaltreis Park near the water tower. https://www.facebook.com/events/634478730646770/
Belvaux : Procession at 7 p.m. ; Ignition 7:15 p.m. at Gaalgebierg. https://www.facebook.com/events/2507515982863146/
Bertrange : Procession at 6.30 p.m. from the church. Firing 7 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/525887921366464/
Weiler-la-Tour : From 6 p.m. at the Chalet " Haasseler Bësch ”. https://www.facebook.com/events/467305630882285/
Differdange : From 7:30 pm " Um Metzkimmert ".
Mensdorf : From 6.30 p.m. Procession at 7 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/488322108498104/
Remich : Procession at 6.30pm from the town hall towards the “Gewännchen” forest. https://www.facebook.com/events/488322108498104/
Boevange / Attert : Departure at 7 p.m. Firing 7:30 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/129391685022418/
Rumelange : At 6 p.m. at the National Museum of Mines. https://www.facebook.com/events/2548740092118749/
Steinfort : Departure at 7 p.m. from Square Patton. Fire at 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Al Schmelz cultural center. https://www.facebook.com/events/601645367293775/
Fentange : Near the cemetery from 7 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/181915723054092/
Mertert : " Op der Lämkaul ” from 5 p.m. Firing at 7 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/2540492579411257/
Dudelange : Departure from Butschebuerger Kapell at 7.20pm after mass. https://www.facebook.com/events/400987147404271/
Ettelbruck : Deichwisen at 7 p.m. https://ettelbruck.lu/events/fete-des-brandons-buergbrennen/
Sunday 01/03/20
Kayl : In front of the town hall at 6.15 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/858206074269753/photos/a.858216280935399/2870139169743090/?type=3&theater
Lamadelaine : From 2 p.m. at the Leisure Center. Procession at 7.15 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/2899747440070897/
Walferdange : Procession at 7 p.m. then ignited. https://www.facebook.com/events/214725982895913/
Colmar Berg : Entertainment all day and firing around 7 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/158379052273245/
Beggen : At the football field from 6 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/825607814555950/
Eppeldorf : At the fire station at 7.15 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/231475494685558/
Steinsel : Near the Leisure Center from 7 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/230797178077454/
Strassen : Rue des Carrières at 7 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/285735942389079/
Junglinster : Departure 6:30 p.m. at 38 rue de la Montagne. Firing " Um Lënsterbierg ". https://www.facebook.com/events/1273516682857532/
Source : www.lepetitweb.lu
Happy Buergbrennen to you !