Since April 20th, the third Saturday after Easter, Luxembourg has been celebrating the Octave.
The Octave festival, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the main religious event of the year for Catholic Luxembourg. During this period, parishioners from Luxembourg, the German Eifel, the Belgian province of Luxembourg, and the Lorraine region in France make a pilgrimage to the capital’s cathedral in Luxembourg City.
Back in the 17th century, the people turned to the Blessed Virgin Mary for protection from the plague, and their prayers were answered.
Since then, pilgrims have been coming to thank the patroness of Luxembourg.
On the outskirts of the city, pilgrims gather in a procession and then walk to the cathedral.
After services in the cathedral, pilgrims can find food and drink at the Octave Market (Oktavsmäertchen) on Place Guillaume (Knuedler). This market has long been a part of the Octave festival tradition. The festival concludes with a festive procession, carrying the statue of the Virgin Mary through the streets of the capital. The cortege includes members of the Grand Ducal House, representatives of the Government, the Chamber of Deputies, the courts, and other institutions.
Comments