Luxembourg National Holiday

Luxembourg National Holiday Facts & Quotes

• No Duke or Duchess of Luxembourg was ever born on 23 June. The closest birthday was King Willian III’s wife’s birthday, which was 17 June. However, Grand Duchess Charlotte’s birthday was also close in the sense that she was born on 23 January.
• Luxembourg is the world’s only Grand Duchy. A Grand Duchy is a country or territory whose official head of state is a monarch and holds the title of Grand Duke or Duchess.
• Typically the celebrations are held over two days rather than one. Celebrations start on 22 June and continue on into the 23rd, as events, concerts and speakers are organized.
• Luxembourg has three official languages: French, German and Luxemburgish (which approximately 350,000 people around the world speak).
• Public opinion is the thermometer a monarch should constantly consult. – Napoleon Bonaparte, 19th century French Emperor.

Luxembourg National Holiday Top Events and Things to Do

• Attend the traditional 21 canon shots fired at Fetschendhof. Traditionally the 21 canon shots honour the Grand Duke on this special day and they are followed by a military parade down Avenue de la Liberte.
• Watch a movie about monarchies and Luxembourg. Some of our favourites are: Atelier Luxembourg (2013), Foreign Affairs (2016) and Destination Luxembourg (2013).
• Attend the torch-lighting parade in Luxembourg City. This signals the start of the official nightly celebrations and is followed by fireworks and the biggest street party of the year in the city. Thousands attend every year.
• Read a book about Luxembourg’s storied past. Some of our favourites are: Le Palais Du Luxembourg, Luxembourg: The Clog-Shaped Duchy, and A History of the Low Countries.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtags #LuxembourgNationalDay, #GrandDukeHenrisBirthday and #GrandDukeHenri.

Luxembourg National Holiday - References and Related Sites