How Luxembourg preserves tradition

Tina Xinia, Unsplash

On 17 October 2025, the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture held a ceremony to inscribe five new traditions on the national register of cultural heritage. The date was not chosen by chance - on this day in 2003, UNESCO approved the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage, which Luxembourg was one of the first countries to ratify in 2006.

This event emphasises the importance of the communities themselves - those who preserve and pass on these traditions on a daily basis. The Minister of Culture, Eric Thill, who personally signed the decrees, acknowledged the contribution of citizens and organisations that support this fragile but living heritage: "Thanks to those who live and share these traditions, our intangible heritage continues to exist, develop and enrich our common identity.

The five new elements represent the diversity of Luxembourg's cultural and natural memory. Some of them are known only within individual villages, others have an almost sacred significance for the whole country.

Kënnbakesteeën - Pork Cheek Auctions

This village tradition takes place during the feasts of St Anthony and St Valentine, when Kënnbaken, a special piece of pork, is blessed and auctioned. The event brings the local community together and is a prime example of rural cultural continuity.

Fäsche maachen - Craftsmanship in knitting twigs

The art of making bundles of firewood for heating or baking bread is actively preserved, among other things by the Thillenvogtei Museum in the village of Randschelt. This craft, which has been handed down from generation to generation, reflects a survival economy and a sustainable attitude towards forest resources.

Louschläissen - Stripping the bark from oak trees

A rare and ancient technique of stripping the bark from young oak trees in northern Luxembourg, which once played a key role in tanning. Today, the process is seen as part of the region's sustainable forestry and biocultural heritage.

D'Kultur vun de Bongerten - Cultivation of high stem fruit trees

Traditional knowledge of caring for the tall fruit trees that shape the Luxembourg countryside. These orchards not only produce fruit but also serve as a haven for local fauna, emphasising the symbiosis between cultural and ecological heritage.

Liichte goen

Every 2nd of February, children come out with lanterns and sing the song "Léiwer Herrgottsblieschen" - a touching and lively tradition reflecting the spirit of community and mutual help. Partly reminiscent of caroling, this celebration has its roots in pre-Christian rituals, later adapted by Christian culture.

With the inclusion of these five elements, the total number of sites on the national register has increased, reinforcing Luxembourg's position as a country actively preserving its intangible cultural fabric. All the newly included elements are now available to explore on the official website: www.iki.lu.

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