Fire Festival Burgbrennen
February 18, Sunday
The Burgbrennen Fire Festival is a traditional Luxembourgian festival celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent. This ancient rite celebrates the approach of spring and marks the end of winter. The festival's name comes from the word "Burg", an ancient name for the local pagan fires that were lit to celebrate the approaching warmth and sun.How the Burgbrennen is celebrated
Preparing the fires. Each town and village builds tall fires in advance, often in the shape of crosses or towers, which symbolize the connection between winter and spring.
The Torchbearers' Parade. People holding torches march to the festival site and, upon arrival, light the main fire. This moment is accompanied by shouts and cries of celebration, symbolically welcoming spring.
Traditional Food and Drink. Like many other European festivals, the Burgbrennen is accompanied by food. Participants enjoy hot drinks, pies and other traditional food.
Songs and dances. The celebration is accompanied by musical performances, where both modern and traditional songs are performed.