As the end of October approaches and Luxembourg prepares for the widely known All Saints’ Day, celebrated each year on 1 November, the country first marks another, lesser-known yet meaningful tradition, “Mantelsonndeg”, a major shopping Sunday rooted in local heritage.
Amid the buzz that comes with this time of year, “Mantelsonndeg”, which literally means “Coat Sunday” or “Coat Buying Sunday”, nowadays is celebrated across various cities in Luxembourg - as well as parts of Germany. Shops open their doors for business exceptionally on this Sunday, attracting crowds with sales and seasonal offers.
According to the Luxembourg City Business Association (UCVL), local retailers brought back this annual occasion in 2005, maintaining a long-established tradition that dates back to the early 20th century.
Historically, Sunday was selected for practical reasons, as people once worked six days a week and had only one day for shopping. The rare occasion allowed those living in rural areas to visit the city, which came alive with open cafés, chatter and good deals, turning it into a cultural event.
Likewise, the date of “Mantelsonndeg”, which falls at the end of October, has been chosen for good reason. Firstly, it takes place just before All Saints’ Day (a Christian holiday known as “Allerhellegen”), giving people an opportunity to prepare for the long-standing tradition of visiting cemeteries in Luxembourg on 2 November to honour their loved ones by laying flowers and lighting candles on their graves. The tradition also extends across the border to Catholic regions in western and southern Germany, particularly around Trier, Saarbrücken and parts of Bavaria, where people follow similar cultural and religious customs.
In recent years, “Mantelsonndeg” has become broadly commercialised, like many other traditions today. However, it still offers a chance to spend time window-shopping, enjoy the social aspect of the tradition and stock up on warm clothes before winter settles in, while remaining a conscientious consumer.
Beyond the shopping and seasonal offers, the tradition of “Mantelsonndeg,” which has now spread across various cities throughout the country, still reflects a piece of Luxembourg’s cultural heritage.
