The Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) has confirmed that the 38th annual Luxembourg Fest of America will once again be celebrated in the village Belgium, Wisconsin, between 9 and 11 August 2024.
In the 1800s, Luxembourg immigrants settled around what is now the Village of Belgium, and the area’s pride in its unique Luxembourg heritage and continued ties with the country still stand strong today.
This festival, organised by the Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) celebrates with Luxembourgish street food prepared by chefs Nicky Krieger-Loos and Marc Weydert, Luxembourgish beers, wines and ciders, dancing and more and will include their yearly, world’s largest “Träipen”-eating contest, (Träipen being a Luxembourgish variant of black pudding), and a Kënschtler Eck (artist corner) with live music playing by the band “The Other Side”.
The annual cultural forum organised by LACS will take place on Friday 9 August 2024, at the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center in Grafton, with registration and coffee at 09:30 and the conference from 10:00 until noon. This cultural forum will feature Guy Thewes, director of Lëtzebuerg City Museum and Villa Vauban. Registration info and fee will be posted at www.lacs.lu.
On Saturday 10 August 2024, the traditional Hammelsmarsch (sheep march), will kick off all Luxembourgish festivals, commencing at 11:00 with a parade marching west down Belgium’s Main Street to festival grounds towards the Community Park. Immediately following the parade, the Wisconsin Diamond Dancers will offer free Luxembourgish folk dance lessons. All are welcome to participate, regardless of age or skill level.
A complimentary “Kid’s Zone” will once again be available, with straw bales and Ms Kim’s Amazing Animals for children.
On Saturday evening, the “Luxembourg Under the Stars” al fresco culinary experience will transform Belgium’s Village Square. The evening boasts a Luxembourgish dinner, paired with imported beverages from Ansay International. Live music rounds out the night. This is a ticketed event - registration will be available at www.lacs.lu.
Sunday 11 August 2024 will once again be reserved for the Luxembourg Fest Polka Mass, which begins on Fest grounds at 10:00. Followed by Mass will be the Luxembourg Fest pageantry, where the Duke and Duchess of Fest, Karen and Joe Jasper, will be crowned and the Jacoby family will be honoured. Live polka music, provided by the Goodtime Dutchmen, will be next on the programme, providing entertainment throughout the service to allow for dancing and merriment during lunch, which includes both the popular Luxembourg treipen and American fare.
From Thursday through Sunday, 8 to 11August, the LACS Museum, Gift Shop and Research Center will be open with waived admission fees from 10:00 until 15:00.
Further information about this year’s Luxembourg Fest is available at: www.lacs.lu
