The rubber duck race took place for the 25th time

Last Saturday, one of Luxembourg’s most iconic events – the annual rubber duck race – took place near Neumünster Abbey. This year, the event celebrated its 25th anniversary, attracting a record number of participants and spectators. According to the organisers, more than 20,000 people, who filled the city’s bridges and embankments, watched as 25,000 ducks were released into the waters of the Alzette.

Younès Oumeziane, president of the Luxembourg branch of Table Ronde, the event’s organiser, noted that the event has long since gone beyond being a simple fundraiser. According to him, the focus is on family fun: the race distance has been chosen so that children can easily follow their ‘favourites’ throughout the entire course.

Entry to the race is traditionally subject to a fee – anyone who wishes to can ‘hire’ a rubber duck for the race. The owners of the fastest ducks, which are the first to cross the finish line, receive valuable prizes. However, as the participants themselves point out, the main motivation remains supporting social initiatives.

All proceeds from this year’s event have been distributed among seven selected charities whose work focuses on supporting children. Although many local residents have been taking part in the race for years and do not always win prizes, the festive atmosphere and the opportunity to contribute to charity ensure the event remains highly popular. The festive mood was further enhanced this time by the fine weather, which allowed the full programme of planned children’s activities to take place outdoors.