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Social Profile
Food & Drink: Luxembourg cooking combines German heartiness with Franco-Belgian finesse. Local dishes include carré de porc fumé (smoked pork and broad beans or sauerkraut), cochon de lait en gelée (jellied suckling pig), and jambon d’Ardennes (famous smoked Ardennes ham). The preparation of trout, pike and crayfish is excellent, as are the pastries and cakes. Tarte aux quetsches is recommended. Delicious desserts are prepared with local liqueurs and some restaurants will make omelette soufflée au kirsch. A dash of quetsch, mirabelle or kirsch will be added to babas or fruit cups. Most aspects of restaurants and bars are similar to the rest of Europe.
Luxembourg’s white Moselle wines resemble those of the Rhine, but are drier than the fruitier wines of the French Moselle. Beer is another speciality and is a traditional industry. Best-known brands are Mousel, Bofferding, Diekirch and Simon. There are also many local liqueurs and strong spirits such as Eau de vie (45-50 per cent alcohol). The minimum age for drinking in bars is 17, and anyone younger than 17 must be accompanied by an adult in cafes and bars. Hours are generally from 0700-2400 (weekdays) and until 0300 (weekends and public holidays). Nightclubs are generally open until 0300.
Nightlife: Visitors to Luxembourg can enjoy a variety of evening entertainment from theatre performances, classical music concerts, opera and ballet, to nightclubs, cinemas and discos. For more information, contact the Luxembourg City Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).
Shopping: Special purchases include beautiful porcelain and crystal. Villeroy & Boch’s crystal factories in Septfontaines are open to visitors. A regional speciality is earthenware pottery from Nospelt, where in August there is a fortnight’s exhibition of local work. Shopping hours: Mon 1400-1800, Tues-Sat 0830-1800.
Special Events: For a list of associated events throughout the year, contact the National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses). The following is a selection of major traditional events celebrated in 2003:
Jun 9 Annual Broom Flower Festival, Wiltz. Jun 10 Dancing Procession (pilgrimage in honour of St Willibrod), Echternach. Jun 22 National Day Celebrations (torchlight parade and fireworks in Luxembourg City and other celebrations on the eve of National Day), throughout the country. Aug/Sep Schueberfouer (one of the largest funfairs in Europe), Luxembourg City. Sep 13-14 Wine and Grape Festival, Grevenmacher. Oct 12 Nutmarket, Vianden. Dec Christmas Market, Luxembourg City.
Social Conventions: Handshaking is the normal greeting. The code of practice for visiting someone’s home is similar to other Western European countries: it is acceptable to give gifts or flowers if invited for a meal. Smart-casual dress is widely acceptable, but some dining rooms, clubs and social functions will demand formal attire. Evening wear, black tie (for men) is usually specified on invitation if required. Smoking is prohibited where notified and is becoming increasingly unacceptable. Tipping: Bills generally include service, but a rounding up is often given. Taxi drivers expect ten per cent of meter charge.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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