Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu

Luxembourg’s traditional festival, Buergbrennen, is taking place across the country on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026.

An old Luxembourg tradition, Buergbrennen is associated with the end of winter. The custom involves lighting a large bonfire, the “Buerg”, a structure made of wood, hay and other combustible materials, symbolising the driving away of the cold season and the welcoming of spring. The name is derived from the Latin “comburere”, meaning “to burn”.

Traditionally celebrated on the first Saturday or Sunday after Carnival, the event brings neighbourhoods together in towns and villages across the country. In many municipalities, the lighting of the bonfire is preceded by a torch procession, known in Luxembourgish as the “Fakelzuch”.

Also referred to as “Buergsonnden”, the celebrations are often organised by local scout groups or youth clubs and are accompanied by food and drinks, including traditional dishes such as Bouneschlupp (green bean soup), Ierzebulli (pea soup) and Glühwein (mulled wine).

Buergbrennen festivities are taking place in various municipalities across Luxembourg this weekend. Below are a few examples of this year’s events, compiled by Chronicle.lu:

  • In Schifflange, the traditional Buergbrennen will take place on Saturday 21 February 2026 at 18:30 next to the Jean Jacoby Stadium. The event is organised by the Schëfflenger Guiden a Scouten – Grupp Abbé Poncin. Traffic and parking restrictions will apply in the vicinity of the stadium, with part of the nearby car park closed between 07:00 and 22:00.
  • In Niederanven, the Buergfrënn and Scouts will present their traditional “Buerg” on Sunday 22 February 2026 on Rue de Munsbach. The event begins at 18:00, with the bonfire scheduled for 19:30. Grilled food, soup and drinks will be available.
  • In Bertrange, festivities are scheduled for Saturday 21 February 2026. The event begins at 18:00, with a torch procession departing from in front of the church at 18:30. The bonfire will be lit at around 19:00. Grill food and drinks will be provided. The event is organised by the Bartrenger Guiden a Scouten and the local youth club.
  • In Remich, Buergbrennen will be celebrated on Saturday 21 February 2026. The torch procession will depart from the town hall at approximately 18:30, proceeding via Rue Enz, Rue Hierzigsberg and Rue des Prés to the forest entrance at Gewännchen. The bonfire is scheduled for 19:00. Food and refreshments will be available from 18:30.
  • In Dudelange, the Diddelenger Guiden a Scoute St. Jean are hosting their traditional event on Saturday 21 February 2026. A service will take place at 18:00 at the Butschebuerger chapel, followed by a torch procession at 19:00. Food and drinks will be available from 18:30.
  • In Junglinster, Buergbrennen will take place on Sunday 22 February 2026 near the Z.A. “Um Gehaansräich” (at the top of the hill towards Rodenbourg). Food and beverages will be available from 17:00 onwards. The traditional torch procession will depart from the school car park at 18:30, with the bonfire expected to be lit at around 19:00. Children are invited to bring glow sticks.
  • In Diekirch, Buergbrennen will be held on Saturday 21 February 2026 at Cité A Bedingen (bei der Sauer). Festivities begin at 11:45, with free food and drinks offered (donations welcome). The bonfire is scheduled for 20:00.
  • In Fentange, the Centre d’Incendie et de Secours Hesper is organising Buergbrennen on Saturday 21 February 2026 behind the cemetery towards Kockelscheier. The site opens at 17:00. The torch procession will depart from the cemetery at 19:30, followed shortly by the lighting of the bonfire. Food and drinks will be available.

Stréimännchen & Stréifrächen

The people of Remich have their own distinct traditions, including on Ash Wednesday. In accordance with long-established custom, the end of the Carnival season is marked with a ceremonial burning of a straw figure, which is then symbolically consigned to the waters of the Moselle.

In the interest of equality, during leap years a female straw figure “the Stréifrächen” is buried instead of the traditionally male Stréimännchen.

This year’s Stréimännchen ceremony took place on Wednesday 18 February 2026 in Remich.