European Street Vendor
Fête nationale: Luxembourg’s biggest party of the year was last night, the eve of National Day, the observed birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte who reigned from 1919-1964. The grand duchess was actually born on January 23, 1896, but the holiday was conveniently moved to a warmer month.
I was told this night is a very big deal, and I was not disappointed. It seemed everyone in the city and surrounding areas came out for it, from toddlers to the elderly. Bands performed on stages in the city’s two main squares, Place Guillaume and Place d’Armes, and DJ’s and makeshift stages lined the streets along with beer, champagne, crepe and sausage vendors. After sunset (which doesn’t happen until 10:30 p.m.), a torchlight parade wound through the city, which seemed to include every club in Luxembourg, from swimming teams to karate schools to dance and music groups.
We're not in the U.S. - here, hundreds of children carried torches
At midnight, there was a truly spectacular fireworks display over the Petrusse Valley that was better than any I’ve seen anywhere else. No surprise that one of the world’s wealthiest countries would have such an extravagant fireworks budget.
The events take place downtown and the fireworks show is best viewed from Place de la Constitution or Boulevard Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In true European fashion, the festivities last until dawn.
A swim club
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