Here, we explore the traditional Easter Monday festival called Emaischen, celebrated in Nospelt and Luxembourg City.

What Is Emaischen Like in Luxembourg?

Can you hear the whistles blowing? In Luxembourg, the people are getting ready to partake in the Emaischen – a traditional festival celebrated every year on Easter Monday in the small town of Nospelt as well as in Luxembourg City.

The Péckvillercher

Little earthenware whistles shaped like birds are the center focus of the festival. They’re called Péckvillercher. Péckvillercher were traditionally exchanged between lovers. Today, they are popular with children taking part in the festival for their wild colors, and of course, their whistles. The little birds are also popular artisan collector’s items.

What’s special about these whistles is that they are for everyone. It isn’t only the townspeople that buy the whistles, but also the children of the Grand Ducal family.

Nospelt and the Town’s History with Emaischen

The town of Nospelt used to be a village of potters. People knew it for the clay concentration of its soil, which was perfect for pottery. The potters would make these little birds from the small amounts of clay leftover at the end of their workday.

The celebration has a wide range of attractions and games. People also know Emaischen for folk-dancing in the streets and typical street foods.

For more information about Easter Monday Emaischen’s history, please visit http://www.sifflets-en-terre-cuite.org/HtmlE/Eur/Luxtxt.html.