Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Saturday 18 April 2026, the 25th edition of the Duck Race took place at Neumünster Abbey (neimënster) in Luxembourg-Grund, with 25,000 ducks released to mark the anniversary.
Organised by Round Table Luxembourg under the patronage of the City of Luxembourg (VdL), the Duck Race once again took place as a “Green Event” and an “AntiGaspi” (anti-waste) event.
The race started at the Grund bridge on Rue Munster, with the finish line located a few hundred metres downstream at the footbridge crossing the river at the western end of the Rives de Clausen.
Crowds began forming already on buses bringing visitors from nearby areas of Luxembourg, with numbers increasing further at the nearest stops. The streets along both sides of the river filled with people moving towards the race route.
Following the countdown to the release of the ducks, crowds moved towards the forecourt of neimënster, where an entertainment programme for children and adults took place, alongside a DJ and food stalls.
Speaking with Chronicle.lu, Louis Philippe, who supported the Round Table Luxembourg stand, said he, alongside two other initiators, took part in the very first edition of the Duck Race. He explained that the event has grown significantly over the years, noting that only 6,000 ducks were released at the beginning. Despite this growth, he said the original aim has remained the same, to raise funds for charitable causes and to promote Round Table.
After the first edition, most years saw around 20,000 ducks released, with this year increasing the number by 5,000 to mark the 25th edition of the event.
The organisers donated all proceeds from the race to charitable organisations, which were also present on-site to provide information about their work and missions, namely Fondation Jugend- an Drogenhëllef, Study-Help, Asha 4 Children, 2care2share, HAND an HAND fir AFRIKA, Fondation EPI and Amicale en faveur de l'inclusion.
The price for a participation duck remained €5, in line with previous editions, with each duck assigned a number corresponding to a lottery ticket.
Participant Marilena, who has been living in Luxembourg for two years, told Chronicle.lu that this was her second time attending the Duck Race. Although she did not take part last year, she returned this year and sponsored two ducks on behalf of her parents in Italy, who she said enjoy Luxembourgish traditions. Evaluating the atmosphere, she said: “It got crazy. I think it’s even bigger than two years ago. Many people. It’s amazing.”
The organisers will release the winning duck numbers on the official website and social media channels, and will contact winners by email in the following days.
