Luxembourg burns away winter with traditional 'Buergbrennen'
The traditional Luxembourg "Buergbrennen" event, based on an ancient pagan tradition, marks the end of winter and the start of spring this coming Sunday. Giant crosses are burnt across the country.
(ADW) Winter is to get a farewell fanfare this Sunday when a number of torchlit processions are held throughout the country, ending in massive crucifix bonfires, a sight that can seem quite bizarre and even a bit scary to foreigners just arriving in the country.
The traditional Buergbrennen event is based on an ancient pagan tradition, marking the end of winter and the start of spring.
Taking place in Luxembourg on the first Sunday in Lent, the occasion is marked by torch-lit parades through streets, which culminate in giant bonfires often with huge crucifixes sticking out the top (and look like something out of the cult "Wickerman" film), in which old Christmas trees are burned among other things (but not goats).
The old tradition is meant to chase away the spirits of the cold season by figuratively burning winter away. In many towns, newlyweds or couples set to marry that year light the bonfire.
Residents can choose from a number of Buergbrennen events taking place around the country, and indeed the capital, where this year the main gatherings are held in Beggen (near the football field), Bonnevoie (at Kaltreis, near the water tower), Cents (in rue Biermann and Simonis) and Cessange.
Happy Buergbrennen to you!
