This Sunday, Luxembourg celebrates a traditional practice that only exists here in this form: the Bretzelsonndeg. You can feel the anticipation as soon as you walk into the bakery – pretzels lavishly decorated with icing and almonds are everywhere in the displays and shop windows. The reason? The Bretzelsonndeg is just around the corner.
This traditional celebration falls in the middle of Lent, on the fourth Sunday after Shrove Tuesday to be precise, and this year marks 10 March as the Day of Love, Luxembourg style.
Although the noun “love” can be translated as “Léift” in Luxembourgish, there is no corresponding verb in the national language. The sentence “I love you” can only be paraphrased in Luxembourgish. However, there is a unique way to communicate these feelings without words: At the Bretzelsonndeg!
Who needs Valentine’s Day when you have pretzels?
This tradition is all about love, the festival is the traditional Luxembourgish answer to Valentine’s Day, so to speak. As a rule, a man gives his beloved a pretzel on Bretzelsonndeg. If the man’s interest is reciprocated, the girl then gives her beau an Easter egg in return.
But watch out for the leap year rule! In leap years, the signs are the other way round! This time it’s up to the women to take the initiative and give their men pretzels, who can then respond with an egg at Easter.
However, the Bretzelsonndeg is not just a celebration of love, but also a cultural highlight that emphasises the tradition of sharing and celebrating in Luxembourg. With parades such as the “Cortège de la Bretzel” in Ettelbrück and, of course, the ubiquitous opportunity to savour the delicious baked goods, the day remains a vital part of Luxembourg’s heritage. It celebrates the combination of tradition, culinary art and interpersonal relationships in a unique way.
The pretzels can be bought from all local bakers and pastry chefs, but they taste best when they are home-baked with love. If you want to try your hand at it, discover our pretzel recipe HERE.
Images: Luxembourg City Tourist Office