Buergbrennen is a traditional Luxembourgish celebration that takes place on the first Sunday of Lent, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
"Buergbrennen" in Luxembourgish means "burning of the castle" and it is usually celebrated after Carnival.
During Buergbrennen, set to take place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February this year, large bonfires are lit in various locations across Luxembourg. These bonfires are typically made from wooden structures resembling castles or forts, but they can also be shaped like crosses, towers or simple pyres. This tradition symbolises the burning away of winter and the arrival of warmer weather. Scouting and Guiding organisations often build and light the bonfires. Youth groups and associations may also often organise the celebration.
The festivity is often accompanied by music, traditional Luxembourgish food (such as pea or bean soup), and drinks (mulled wine and more), bringing communities together to enjoy the festivities. It is a cultural event rooted in Luxembourg's history and tradition, with several municipalities (or even small towns or villages) organising their own Buergbrennen events, typically on local hills. This year Buergbrennen events are set to take place on Saturday evening in Belvaux ( on the Galgenberg hill), Strassen, Sanem (in front of the castle), Rodange, Ettelbreck and Remich to name a few.
This year for the first time, a 20m high wooden fortress built in cooperation with Buergfrenn Nidderaanwen will be used as a stage for an open-air day event named PEAK fortress on Saturday from 16:00 to 22:00. There will be dancing on the agenda, with local and international electronic and techno music DJs, drinks and food and also fire, lights and laser shows planned. The fortress "stage" will be burnt the following day, on Sunday.
There will be many other Buergbrennen festivities taking place across the country this weekend. For detailed information, visit the websites and/or social media accounts of the various municipalities.
Buergbrennen represents the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of life. It is, in addition to bringing neighbours, friends and families together, a time for people to come together, celebrate the changing seasons and look forward to the coming springtime.
