Q. 1. What is the meaning of the word "Buergbrenne" in the Catholic Church?

A. 1. Buergbrennen is a celebration centred on a huge bonfire which takes place on the first Sunday in Lent in Luxembourg and surrounding areas. The tradition of this event is in fact similar to the one of our neighbouring friends, the French and the Belgian. “Buergbrennen”, Quadragesima Sunday or Invocative Sunday, there are many terminologies representing the same ancestral tradition.

In Germany it is called Burgbrennen, in France and Belgium it is known as the "dimanche des Brandons." It is based on old traditions representing the end of Winter and the arrival of Spring.

The word buerg or burg originates from the Latin burere to burn. In the south of Belgium, the day is still known as "dimanche des Bures."

Celebrating Buergbrennen nowadays...

The local authorities or youth organisations usually make the arrangements for the Buergbrennen. They collect wood, often old Christmas trees, from the inhabitants and make the buerg or bonfire, usually on the top of a neighbouring hill and clad with hay to ensure rapid burning. There is often a cross rising high above the centre of the fire. Torchlight processions to the bonfire sometimes take place and there are usually stands for food and drink. The firemen are present to ensure against accidents. In some areas, the most recently married couple or to a well-known person of influence from the region have the honour of lighting the fire.

Youth clubs of the village are usually organising the festivities and technical aspects of the "Buergbrennen". A traditional torchlight procession is often formed from the village to the “Buerg” before lighting the bonfire.

You will see “Buergbrennen" is an acclaimed Luxembourgish tradition which annually brings together thousands of people of all ages.