The big carnival weekend is just around the corner! Starting today, February 27th, with Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Carnival Day) and continuing until Ash Wednesday on March 5th, there won’t be a dry eye in Luxembourg!
While some people wait all year to throw on their carnival costumes, others barricade themselves at home for the entire weekend, just waiting for the madness to end. To the latter, we suggest getting cozy and trying out one of the many delicious recipes on our website. But for all the carnival lovers out there, here’s a quick overview of the traditional festivities and events you won’t want to miss!
First Carnival Weekend? Off to Diekirch!
The legendary Diekirch Cavalcade traditionally kicks off the carnival season in Luxembourg and is considered an absolute highlight of the festive season. On March 2nd, 2025, the colorful parade will wind its way along a two-kilometer route through the streets of the Sauerstadt. As the oldest carnival parade in the country, whose history dates back to 1870, the event attracts around 31,000 visitors each year and is all about the famous Diekirch donkey Loui.
The organizers from the association D’Eselen aus der Sauerstad Dikrich spend months preparing this spectacle. Particularly impressive is the generosity of the participants: around five tons of sweets and gadgets as well as over 3,500 Fueskichelcher find their way into the hands of enthusiastic spectators. The freshly decorated floats and original walking groups present themselves to the public for the first time and set the benchmark for all the parades to follow.
The carnival festivities are accompanied by DJs who ensure a lively atmosphere. After the parade, Diekirch transforms into a large party zone where celebrations continue until the early morning hours.
The tickets, which include a tombola entry, are affordable at 5 euros in advance and offer the chance to win attractive prizes. Those looking to travel in an eco-friendly way can conveniently take the train or use the specially arranged shuttle buses, which run between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.
More Parades to Follow
The Diekirch Cavalcade is only the first parade of the year; until the end of March, many more will take place all over the country:
• « Schëfflenger Kavalkad »: March 9th, 3:00 p.m. — The « craziest » parade
• « Escher Cavalcade »: March 16th, 2:15 p.m. — Free entry and great vibes
• « Cliärrwer Naatskavalkad »: March 22nd, 6:11 p.m. — New night parade in the North
• « Käercher Nuetskavalkad »: March 22nd, 6:20 p.m. — New free night parade in the West
• « Kanner-Kavalkad Käldall »: March 23rd, 2:30 p.m. — Perfect for the little carnival lovers
• Wasserbillig « Nuetskavalkad »: March 29th, 6:11 p.m. — Illuminated parade with plenty of wine
• « Cavalcade de Pétange »: March 30th, 2:11 p.m. — International variety
• « Cavalcade Réimech »: March 30th, 2:30 p.m. — To wrap up at the Moselle riverside
The Hottest Carnival Parties in the Country
Of course, the traditional Baler (parties) must not be missed! The festivities kick off as usual with the Hexebal in Schoos and the Piccobello in Hesperange on Friday, February 28th, followed by the Fräschebal in Bettendorf and the Clochardsbal in Differdange on March 1st. The grand finale is the Eldoradio Afterparty at the Al Seeërei following the Diekirch Cavalcade. If you don’t hit the dance floor at least once at these parties, you haven’t truly experienced Luxembourg’s carnival!
