June 23rd, the celebration of the birthday of Grand Duke Jean de Luxembourg. I can happily say that I have only experienced this once. The entire day is declared a national holiday, and festivities begin at dawn.

People come from all over (mainly France) to see the spectacles, effectively tripling the population for a day. Along with a parade of both members of the Luxembourgian military several times around the city, there is a mass of thanks in the cathedral, followed by another parade and a really nifty fireworks display over the large gorge running through the middle of the city. Afterwards, the city turns into a big party, featuring much food (mmmm...waffles) and a cover band playing crappy music they think Americans like. I remember vaguely dancing with some old French punk chick who spilled her beer all over me, then passed out. In the end, I can only say three things:

  • Despite their propaganda, nobody speaks either Luxembourgish or German, which forced me to break out my piss-poor attempt at French again.
  • While the Grand Duke may be a great guy, I'm still disappointed that he wouldn't consider granting my request for a letter of marque.
  • You have not lived until you have heard the entire population of Luxembourg belting out the words to Sweet Home Alabama.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.