St. Stephen's Day in Luxembourg

St. Stephen's Day, known as "Stiefesdag" in Luxembourgish, is celebrated on December 26th and is a public holiday in Luxembourg. This day follows Christmas Day and is part of the extended Christmas celebrations.

History and Traditions:

• St. Stephen was one of the first deacons of the Christian Church and is recognized as its first martyr, being stoned to death for his faith.
• In Luxembourg, as in many other European countries, St. Stephen's Day has religious roots and is observed with church services commemorating St. Stephen's life and sacrifice.
• The day has also evolved to include secular traditions.

What People Do:

• Many Luxembourgers attend mass or church services on this day to honor St. Stephen.
• Families often gather for a second day of festivities after Christmas Day, enjoying meals together and continuing the holiday spirit.
• It is also a time for relaxation and leisure after the busy preparations leading up to Christmas, with people engaging in activities such as walks in the countryside or spending time with loved ones.
• Some may use this day to visit friends or exchange gifts, especially if they were unable to meet on Christmas Day.

Being a public holiday, most businesses are closed on St. Stephen's Day in Luxembourg, allowing people to enjoy a break from work and focus on family and community activities associated with this festive period.