Easter Monday
Historical Context
Easter Monday is a legal public holiday in Luxembourg, celebrated the day after Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday extends the celebration of Christ's resurrection. In Luxembourg, this holiday is deeply rooted in tradition. The Bretzelsonndeg (Pretzel Sunday), three weeks before Easter, is a unique Luxembourg custom where boys give a pretzel to a girl, and she responds with a chocolate egg at Easter.
Luxembourg families organise egg hunts in gardens and parks. The Eimaischen, a traditional Easter market, takes place on Easter Monday at the Place du Marché-aux-Poissons and in the Grund quarter of Luxembourg City. Peckvillercher, small bird-shaped ceramic whistles dating back to the 17th century, are sold there.
Regional Traditions
Luxembourg City
The Eimaischen market has filled the old town lanes since 1827. The star attraction is the Peckvillercher, bird-shaped clay whistles sold only on this day. A new design is created each year, making them prized collector's items.
Nospelt
The historical pottery capital (1458-1914) holds a parallel Eimaischen market. The Peckvillercher tradition was revived here in 1957. The village has a dedicated Pottery Museum, and the whistles are made from leftover clay.
Rural villages
Before Easter, church bells are silenced. Children swing wooden rattles called Klibberen through the villages to announce church service times. This tradition is especially alive in smaller rural communities.