Whit Monday
Historical Context
Whit Monday is a legal public holiday in Luxembourg, celebrated 50 days after Easter.
Whitsun commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, fifty days after Easter. Whit Monday extends the Whitsun weekend. In Luxembourg, it is a legal public holiday that often marks the beginning of the summer season.
The Whitsun weekend is popular for excursions and outdoor activities. The Sprangpressessioun in Echternach, a unique dancing procession inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, takes place on Whit Tuesday (the day after the public holiday). Many Luxembourgers use the long weekend to visit markets or local festivals.
Regional Traditions
Wiltz (Geenzefest)
Every Whit Monday since 1948, Wiltz celebrates the Geenzefest (Broom Festival). Over 40 floats adorned with yellow broom blossoms parade through the streets, accompanied by brass bands. The climax is the Broom Carriage carrying the Broom Queen and her six maids of honour.
Echternach (Sprangprozessioun)
On Whit Tuesday, the day after the public holiday, the Sprangprozessioun takes place. UNESCO-inscribed since 2010, thousands of participants hop in honour of St. Willibrord, one step to the left, one step to the right.
Various communes
The Whitsun weekend brings local fairs and community festivals across towns and villages throughout the country. Each commune enlivens its streets with markets, music and open-air festivities.