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For the 39th year, Noël de la Rue asbl, a Luxembourg-based non-profit association, is organising its Christmas festivities for marginalised individuals, this year in line with the COVID-19 health measures; the celebration will take place on Christmas Day (Friday 25 December 2020).
The association considered it particularly important in the context of the pandemic to support disadvantaged members of Luxembourgish society. Nevertheless, it was a challenge for the twelve-person team to work from one central location in seven decentralised locations in different parts of the country.
Whilst the precautionary COVID-19 measures have impacted this year's edition, Noël de la Rue promised to still provide a festive mood for homeless individuals and those who live in poverty or experience lonelienss, with presents and surprises on the agenda.
Even after 39 years and despite the coronavirus pandemic, the Noël de la Rue philosophy remains the same: "to get people off the street for a short time, to give them moments of security with good words and gifts that convey warmth”.
This year, however, festivities are planned across seven different sites to ensure compliance with the health measures in force. In Luxembourg City, these will take place at Gare Centrale CFL - glass canopy, from 14:00 - 17:00 (encounters in line with social distancing), Vollekskichen, Foyer Ulysse, Stëmm vun der Strooss in Hollerich (prior registration needed) and WAK-Findel: Wanteraktioun. In Esch-sur-Alzette, the premises of Stëmm vun der Strooss will host this event (prior registration needed). In Ettelbrück, guests can join the festivities in the forecourt of the train station and the church, from 15:00 - 17:00.
The Noël de la Rue initiative has been organised by a team of volunteers for the past 38 years.
