Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu

On Monday 1 September 2025, the Luxembourg City Business Association (UCVL) celebrated the 96th edition of the Luxembourg City Braderie - one of Luxembourg's biggest shopping events.

The Braderie took place in the Ville-Haute and Gare districts, with more than 200 retailers and catering establishments setting up shop for visitors.

For one day each year, the streets of Luxembourg City are transformed into a pedestrian zone where shopping, culture and tradition come together. The day started under grey skies, with quiet streets and only a few early visitors. To cover from the drizzling rain, people were seeking shelter under the covered pedestrian passages or coffee shops and restaurants to wait it out. By midday, the sun had broken through and the city centre had filled with crowds, alive with chatter, laughter and music from shops and stalls.

The streets were filled with a mix of scents, from discounted perfumes to local pastries such as "Verwurelter" (deep-fried dough knots with sugar), traditional puff-pastry pretzels and crisp "Wäffelcher" (waffle-like treats). The focus of the Braderie remained on shopping, with stands, mirrors and tables loaded with discounted clothes, bags, shoes and accessories spread across the city centre.

The event also brought together people of all cultures, languages, ages and backgrounds. In addition to the many merchants, political parties also had stands, taking the opportunity to present themselves and speak with visitors. On Place Guillaume II, the Luxembourg Air Rescue (LAR) RSQ helicopter was on display, attracting curious onlookers and photo opportunities.

Traditionally held on the first Monday in September, the Braderie is celebrating its 96th edition this year, marking almost a century of tradition. Although it is not a public holiday, the event often sees families and city-centre employees take time off, with some of the schools in Luxembourg City postponing the start of term and offices adjusting to road closures and crowds. This year's Luxembourg Braderie once again represented a major retail event and social gathering.

EO