The story behind Luxembourg's National Holiday - Lëtzebuerger Nationalfeierdag.
The monarch's birthday (Grand Duke's Official Birthday) - Groussherzoglechen Gebuertsdag, is celebrated as the annual national holiday of Luxembourg.
When the monarch of Luxembourg is female, it is known as Grand Duchess' Official Birthday.
Luxembourg's National Holiday has been celebrated since 1961 on June 23 although it has never been the actual birthday of any rulers of Luxembourg.
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| Grand Duke Henri - birthday April 16 |
Under the reign of Grand Duchesse Charlotte (1919 - 1964) the celebration of the sovereign - Groussherzoginsgebuertsdag, was celebrated on January 23, her actual birthday.
It had became an important patriotic public holiday. On 23 December 1961, the date was fixed on June 23 by Grand Ducal decree. It was decided to hold the festivities in June to avoid that the nation's holiday would be marred by poor weather.
The former Grand Duke Jean and the Grand Duke Henri hold on to the June 23 holiday.
Lëtzebuerger Nationalfeierdag is a two days celebration.
The celebrations already begin the day before the National Day, with street parties, concerts, performances and fireworks. Throughout the country, towns organize events.
Every year, 21 canon shots are fired off at Fetschenhof in honour of the Grand Duke and a military parade is held down Avenue de la Liberté in Luxembourg City.