Octava is one of the most important holidays in Luxembourg, and it is held in the latter half of April, filling a 14-day interval. During this holiday dedicated to Virgin Mary, believers from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium and France pilgrimage to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The first historic records of this holiday date back to 1666, when Virgin Mary was designated the protector of the Duchy. A black wooden sculpture of the Mother of Christ was back then brought by the Jesuits, from the former Ice Chapel. However, exact data on its age are not yet known.

On the first day of the holiday, parishioners meet at the outskirts of the city and then head for the Notre Dame Cathedral, where they pray. For 14 days, each parish organizes festive dinners in the Octava and Guillaume squares, where pilgrims can eat or drink sundry beverages and buy souvenirs.

The holiday ends by a solemn procession during which the statue of the Virgin is carried on the streets of the city. Believers attending the ceremony are accompanied by representatives of the Government, the Chamber of Deputies and members of the ducal family.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

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