Luxembourg National Day

Luxembourg National Day

June 23

This public holiday is also known as Grand Duke Day, since it is the birthday of Jean (b. 1921), the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It is also the day on which the country celebrates its independence. Although formerly ruled by the Netherlands and Belgium, the grand duchy raised its own flag for the first time in 1890. It remained politically neutral until after its liberation from the Germans at the end of World War II, when it joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
On the eve of the national holiday, Dudelange hosts a torchlight procession, and the castle at Wiltz hosts a fÉte in the courtyard. In Esch-sur-Alzette, there are athletic competitions and other festivities. Fireworks, parades, special religious services, public concerts, and dancing comprise the elaborate celebration in the capital city of Luxembourg.
On National Day people assemble in the capital, not only to celebrate their independence but also to observe the official birthday of the Grand Duke, who succeeded his mother, the Grand Duchess Charlotte, in 1964. Although Luxembourg covers less than a thousand square miles, the people there identify strongly with their country and speak their own language, known as Luxembourgeois.

CONTACTS:
Luxembourg National Tourist Office
17 Beekman Pl.
New York, NY 10022
212-935-8888; fax: 212-935-5896
www.luxembourgnyc.org

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 104
NatlHolWrld-1968, p. 88 (c)

Celebration day: Jun 23