Getting fired up for Spring - a guide to "Buergbrennen" in Luxembourg

Residents can celebrate the end of Winter at a series of bonfires, known as "Buergbrennen", taking place throughout the country in February.

The annual tradition rings in the end of Winter by setting fire to a giant cross, often created from recycled Christmas trees and organised by local clubs and associations.

While Luxembourg City has cancelled this year's event because of construction work on the Pont Adolphe, there are plenty more bonfire parties to be found in the Grand Duchy.

Check out our handy guide to find a "Buergbrennen" near you.

February 17

• Beggen

The celebration in Beggen will this year be Luxembourg City's official "Buergbrennen" with mayor Xavier Bettel expected to join the event. There will be Glühwäin, Gromperekichelcher, grilles sausages and more. The event starts at 7pm at the Beggen football field. A torchlit procession will start at 7.40pm at the school and the bonfire will be lit at 8pm.

• Bonnevoie

Following a service at the Bonnevoie church at 6.45pm, a torchlit procession will lead crowds through the city district up to the water tower from 7pm. The fire will then be lit at 7.30pm. There will be food and drink to purchase at the water tower.

• Cessange

The Cessange Choir and firefighters are appealing for flammable materials to help make their Buergbrennen this year. Donations can be taken to the bonfire site at the end of rue de Cessange on February 16. The fire will be lit at 7.30 pm on February 17 and there will be mulled wine and a grill stand to keep fire-watchers well fed and watered.

• Doncols

Doncols in the north-east of Luxembourg hosts its Buergbrennen from 7.30pm followed by free soup served at the school.

• Dudelange

The Dudelange Guides and Scouts host this magnificent family-friendly event which kicks off at 6pm. The evening includes a service at the Butschebuerg chapel followed by the bonfire lighting at 7.30pm.

• Ernster

From 7pm, the village square of Ernster comes to life with food and drink stalls preparing fire goers for the spectacle ahead, as well as the traditional Wurst and Glühwäin. Don't miss their speciality Hackefeier, a drink to be consumed in moderation.

• Garnich

Garnich firefighters organise this Buergbrennen at the “Botterkräiz” in Rue des Trois Cantons, beginning at 6pm with food and drink stands. The fire will be lit 7.30pm.

• Gonderange

Gonderange's annual Buergbrennen takes place near the Z.A. Gehaansraich (at the top of the hill to the right as you head towards Rodenbourg). The bonfire will be constructed from 2.30pm during which supporters are welcome to come along. Food and drink will be on sale throughout the afternoon and evening. A torchlit procession will take place from 6.30pm at the school car park. Children are invited to bring glow sticks. The fire will then be lit at 7pm.

• Junglinster

A memorable bonfire awaits visitors to Junglinster's Buergbrennen which takes place at Um Lënsterbierg, in Rue de la Montagne. The evening begins with a torchlit procession from 7pm. Drinks and food stalls will be on-hand throughout the evening.

• Lorentzweiler

Lorentzweiler hopes to entice Buergbrennen goers from 3pm when stalls run by the Scouts open. The fire is lit at 7pm.

• Kayl

Kayl Buergbrennen organisers promise live music in the run-up to its fiery spectacle. Music will be played in Brill Square from 6pm where visitors can get a bite to eat and a drink at the same time. A torchlit procession leaves the town hall from 7pm. Participants can purchase torches for 2.50 euros. The cross will be lit at 7.30pm.

• Niederpallen

Niederpallen festivities kick off at 2pm with a church procession. Food and drink stands will open at around 6pm and the buergbrennen will be lit at 7.30pm.

A more comprehensive list of "Buergbrennen" events can be found on mywort.lu/buergbrennen

Did we miss out your Buergbrennen event? If so, email details to wort-en@wort.lu and we will add your event to the list.