National Day and its traditions






On 23 June, Luxembourg celebrates the Grand Duke's birthday, which is also commonly referred to as the National Day. This celebration includes more formal and traditional acts, such as a military parade and a religious service called Te Deum.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / PANCAKE! Photographie
A glimpse into history
Although today 23 June is Luxembourg National Day, the date has actually changed many times.
The country has celebrated the sovereign's official birthday since the 18th century – a tradition that was maintained after Luxembourg became a sovereign state in 1815.
The date on which Luxembourg celebrates its National Day has therefore changed with every reign:
- From 1816 onwards, Luxembourgers celebrated the official birthday – thus Luxembourg National Day - of King-Grand Duke William I on 24 April.
- Under William II, National Day was celebrated on 6 December.
- Under William III, the birthday – and hence National Day - was celebrated on 17 June, and from 1860 onwards it changed to 19 February.
- After Grand Duke Adolphe's accession to the Throne in 1890, the National Day was on 24 July.
- Under Guillaume IV, it took place on 22 April.
- Under Marie-Adélaïde, from 1913 onwards, the festivities took place on 14 June.
- When Grand Duchess Charlotte acceded the throne in 1919, 23 January became National Day. the Grand Duchess' birthday was declared a public holiday.
The official day for celebrating the sovereign’s birthday was eventually changed to 23 June in 1961 by Grand Ducal order; and this date was maintained under the reigns of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duke Henri. The term 'National Day' actually does not appear in any legal texts: it is referred to as 'the day of the official celebration of the anniversary of the Grand Duke's birth'. Luxembourgers commonly call it either 'Groussherzogsgebuertsdag' (the birthday of the Grand Duke) or 'Nationalfeierdag' (National Day).
The main stages of the celebration
The celebrations start even before National Day itself. The Grand Ducal Family celebrates with the population through a series of receptions and events.

© Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey
Bestowal of Decorations
Every year, the Grand Duke awards people of merit the decorations of the Ordre civil et militaire d’Adolphe de Nassau.
The celebrations on the eve of National Day
The festivities begin on the evening of 22 June with the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess visiting a town outside the capital. The members of the Grand Ducal Family then attend the torchlight procession, organised by the various associations of Luxembourg City, and the great fireworks display.