7 things to do in and around Luxembourg this weekend

1. Flock to bakeries on Pretzel Sunday

What: Another "tradition" to justify endless snacking?
Where: Try your local bakery?
When: Sunday, 14 March

The 4th Sunday of Lent marks Luxembourg's annual Pretzel Sunday. You may associate "Bretzel" or "Pretzel" with an unhealthy amount of salt, and it certainly can be covered in the stuff, but the modern Luxembourgish version is tooth-achingly sweet and comes with fondant icing and sprinkled almonds. According to tradition, a man should share these delightful pastries with their sweetheart. If the feeling is mutual, the man receives eggs from his sweetheart in return for Easter. If he is rejected, he'll receive and empty basket, hence the Luxembourgish expression De Kuerf kréien (to be given the basket). Head over to the bakeries and indulge yourself into this deliciousness.

2. Hear Cameroonian vibes in Ettelbruck

What: Traditional/contemporary blend
Where: CAPE, Place Marie-Adélaïde, 9063 Ettelbruck
When: Friday, 12 March at 8pm - info & tickets here

Originally from Cameroon but living in Luxembourg since 2005, Modestine Ekete combines her musical influences and traditional African instruments with contemporary sounds. A multidisciplinary artist, singer, dancer and actress, Modestine Ekete sings in Yemba (her mother tongue), French, Spanish and other languages ​​of Cameroon. The Afrostyle music showcases her latest album, Zing Ndada, released in 2017. In it, she deals with themes that are close to her heart: protecting the environment, women's rights, child protection, integration of young people and, of course, love.

3. Attend Luxembourg Music Video Night

What: The best productions from the Grand Duchy
Where: Ciné Utopia, 16 Avenue de la Faiencerie, 1510 Luxembourg
When: Friday, 12 March at 6.30pm - free entry, registration required

This event is part of the Luxembourg City Film Festival, which has spanned 11 days and is coming to an end this weekend. On Friday night, you will be able to discover the latest music videos made by artists, musicians and directors from Luxembourg over the past few months during a screening session, followed by a panel discussion about the importance of video clips in an artist's career development. Then, enjoy an exclusive preview of the Rocklab Pop-Up Session featuring CHAiLD, which will premiere online that same night at 8pm.

4. Plan a rail & hike trip to northern Luxembourg

What: Hike beautiful routes and take the train back
Where: Numerous routes available, info here
When: Anytime

Frequently, the trouble with hiking is having to return to the starting point where you set off and parked your car, hence having to search for circular trails. But would if you could walk from A to B, and just make use of public transport to get back? This exactly is the idea behind the CFL rail & hike initiative. The routes are laid out in such a way that you start off at one station and arrive at another. Have a careful look here, as Visit Luxembourg outlines a number of routes. PS: Bring your rain coat, it's going to be a wet one this weekend (but we thought we'd pop in a sunny picture anway).

5. Support local businesses with AmCham discount programme

What: Boosting local economy, discovering new stores
Where: Throughout the Greater Region
When: Anytime - info & details here

Since the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy, the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg has launched a support programme to get local businesses back up on their feet. The result is a benefits programme: members will receive a minimum 10% discount (sometimes even 20%) at all participating stores, of which there are many: over 100 are already taking part, and the list will most likely keep growing. Ranging from your local barber shop to independent retailers to the country's giants, including Pizza Hut and EXKI establishments - all have joined the initiative. An Opel garage offers a 25% discount on tyres, for example, or guests are guaranteed a 15% discount off their stay at the City Hotel.

We spoke to the Chairman and CEO earlier this week.

6. Watch theatre performance about "Fake News"

What: Insightful performance into hot topic
Where: Trifolion, 2 Porte St Willibrord, 6486 Echternach
When: Friday, 12 March at 8pm - info & tickets here

"This is Fake News" - the term has been used widely ever since Donald Trump popularised it, but in fact it has existed much longer. Meanwhile, it clearly has political connotations and includes electoral fraud, image manipulation, rumours, false reports and lies. This theatrical performance aims to question the idea of ​​fake news in a playful way and to show how the twisting of facts works in interviews or political speeches. Its performers address false reports from early and late history, and slip into different roles and performance formats in a playful manner.

© Pixabay

7. For kids: Learn the art of printing

What: Making use of natural materials
Where: National Museum of Natural History, Marché-aux-Poissons Luxembourg, 2345, Luxembourg
When: Sunday, 14 March at 2.30pm - info & tickets here

In this workshop children will experiment with easy printing techniques. The group, aged between 8-12 years old, will work with water-soluble inks and natural materials such as leaves, twigs, tree bark or wood. Be surprised and learn how easy it is to print pictures, cards or wrapping paper yourself and learn more about famous print artists and their works.

© Pixabay

Is there an event you think we'd enjoy and like to share with our audience? Feel free to let us know through audience@rtltoday.lu and we may consider it for next week's agenda.