Joyous Entries Launch in Esch-sur-Alzette, Marking Start of Nationwide Tour

On Friday 24 April 2026, Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie officially launched the Joyous Entries in Esch-sur-Alzette, marking the first stage of their tour across Luxembourg’s five regions following their accession to the throne.

The Joyous Entry in Esch-sur-Alzette marked a symbolic entry into the wider Minett region, which comprises eleven municipalities in the south: Bettembourg, Differdange, Dudelange, Esch-sur-Alzette, Käerjeng, Kayl, Mondercange, Pétange, Rumelange, Sanem and Schifflange.

The visit began in Esch/Belval, where the Grand Ducal couple arrived by train at Belval-Université station and were welcomed by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler, Minister of Finance Gilles Roth and the Mayor of Esch-sur-Alzette, Christian Weis. This first stage highlighted Belval’s role as a centre of scientific and technological excellence.

Upon exiting the station, the Grand Ducal couple were welcomed by a musical performance of the “Wilhelmus” by trumpeter Ben Bley. They were then accompanied along the footbridge by a robotic dog (“Robodog”) towards the stairs and greeted by Rockhal staff near the venue’s side entrance. Members of the Luxembourg National Federation of Scouts and Guides (Fédération Nationale des Éclaireurs et Éclaireuses du Luxembourg - FNEL) were also present along the route.

Several hundred residents, including schoolchildren waving Luxembourg flags, lined the route as Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie made their way to the Halle des poches à fonte, where a series of innovation and digital art projects were presented. 

Along the way, several mayors from Pro-Sud municipalities, including those of Differdange, Sanem and Schifflange, as well as representatives of the Pro-Sud syndicate and the Fonds Belval, were introduced to the Grand Ducal couple.

At one of the stands, the Grand Duke was presented with a virtual reality project by Guy Wolff, Director of Spektrum, who explained that the installation allows visitors to explore immersive artworks inspired by Belval’s industrial heritage through 360-degree VR experiences. “We are a centre of digital art. This means we invite artists to develop new projects. In this case, the Grand Duke saw a VR production inspired by Belval and its industrial heritage,” he said in an interview with Chronicle.lu.

The Luxembourg Head of State also spoke with representatives at other stands, including one presenting the Minett UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and another showcasing a climate migration data platform developed by Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER).

The programme then split, with Grand Duchess Stéphanie continuing her visit inside the Halle des poches à fonte, while Grand Duke Guillaume headed to the Vëlodukt cycle bridge to begin a bicycle journey towards Esch-sur-Alzette city centre, accompanied by representatives of cycling clubs and local associations. The Grand Duchess aalso made her way to the city centre, where both routes later converged.

The Grand Ducal couple reunited at Place de la Résistance, where a public celebration took place in the heart of Esch-sur-Alzette. Accompanied by music, they toured the various activity areas and met members of the public and local stakeholders. The square hosted a range of activities involving artists, associations and schools, including circus performances, artistic demonstrations and cultural entertainment, highlighting the theme of living together.

Schoolchildren from Brillschule lined the streets waving flags as the event also featured performances across several stages, including capoeira, cheerleading, acrobatic and balance acts, as well as dance battles, drawing a large crowd to the square. One of the highlights of the visit was the lighting of a scout campfire, followed by the signing of the City of Esch-sur-Alzette’s guest book. Luxembourg’s Minister of Labour Marc Spautz, Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception Max Hahn, and Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez were also present, alongside members of parliament elected in the southern constituency. The Grand Ducal couple were then presented with a gift from the municipalities of the south, reflecting the region’s identity and territorial roots. 

The visit concluded with a farewell to the public, accompanied by a performance of the “Wilhelmus” by the Esch-sur-Alzette Municipal Band, joined by music groups from Pro-Sud municipalities.According to the Maison du Grand-Duc, the next Joyous Entry will take place on 10 July 2026 in Troisvierges, in the Eislek region.