A traditional market to celebrate the Octave of Pentecost
The roots of the Mäertchen can be traced to the Octave of Pentecost, a religious holiday held to honour the Virgin Mary, who is the patron saint of both the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and its capital. Pilgrims from all over the country and the Greater Region come to Luxembourg City. While the Octave initially lasted for eight days (hence its name), it now takes place over the course of 16 days between Easter and Pentecost, starting on the third Saturday after Easter.
Originally, the Mäertchen gave fasting pilgrims, most of whom came from rural areas and rarely travelled to the city, a chance to get some sustenance while shopping in the city right after mass.
Although the Mäertchen now has more of a carnival atmosphere with its fairground games and rides, it has by no means lost its charm and appeal. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the city centre to enjoy the food, games and hawker's stands at this quintessentially Luxembourgish fair.
Dates, times and venue
Dates
20 April to 5 May 2024
Opening hours
Every day from 11:00 to 22:00.
Venue
Place de la Constitution.
2024 edition
Attractions and refreshments
As a traditional market with 44 stalls, the "Mäertchen" offers something for everyone – food stalls, games of skill and chance, hook-a-duck, rides for children (merry-go-rounds, planes), trampolines – and an opportunity for an enjoyable outing in the heart of the capital.
Various food stalls offer open-air terraces. This means that the traditional gebakene Fësch (fried fish), along with many other dishes traditionally served at the Mäertchen, will be available for sit-down and take-away diners.
The stalls at Place de la Constitution will be open every day from 11:00 to 22:00.
How to get there
- Tram: line 1, "Hamilius" stop
- Bus: "Hamilius", "Roosevelt" or "Monterey" stops
- vel'OH!: "Gëlle Fra" station
- Car parks: "Monterey" / "Royal-Hamilius" / "Knuedler"
Links
Accessibility for people with reduced mobility
Every year, the City of Luxembourg has accessibility for people with reduced mobility tested at the market establishments by the association Info-handicap. This assessment is used to provide information to people with reduced mobility, as well as to award the EureWelcome label for temporary tourism and cultural sites, which is granted by the Ministry of the Economy (Ministère de l'Économie).
A public toilet for people with disabilities will also be set up at Place de la Constitution. The toilets located near Cercle Cité, the Knuedler car park and Place de la Constitution will also be open to the public until 22:30 during the Mäertchen.
If you are dropping off someone with reduced mobility, access to the cathedral and market is easier if you let them out on Rue Notre-Dame (near the cathedral). Additional reduced mobility parking spaces are available on Rue Notre-Dame (opposite the cathedral).
The City of Luxembourg wishes to encourage people with reduced mobility to take full advantage of the existing services and infrastructure by providing all the relevant information about accessibility. For more information on accessibility, please visit www.eurewelcome.lu (information will be available online as of 19 April 2024) or contact the City of Luxembourg's Service intégration et besoins spécifiques (Integration and Special Needs Department) (Tel. 4796-4150, integratioun@vdl.lu).
