The Tramsschapp cultural centre in Limpertsberg held its annual Christmas dinner again this year, offering a warm welcome to those without a roof over their heads, or people suffering from loneliness over the festive period.
The festive meal, known as "Christmas for the streets", or "Noël de la Rue", was founded 42 years ago by Léon Kraus. Although it started as a small event, it has gathered momentum over the years and become a regular staple of the Christmas period. The 2023 edition welcomed over 300 people on Christmas Day, and organisers say they have observed more and more people joining the celebration over recent years. Many of the guests attend every single year, some out of necessity because they lack permanent accommodation, others out of a desire to not spend Christmas Day on their own.
Kraus told RTL he had noticed a distinct increase in the number of Luxembourgers attending the celebration, highlighting current economic and social issues as a potential driver for the rise in attendance.
The event on Monday was staffed by around 80 volunteers, taking time out of their own Christmas celebrations to serve up a menu of vegetable soup, roast turkey and the traditional Luxembourgish "Bûche" buttercream log for dessert. But the afternoon isn't just about the food - the event also includes activities, such as table football tournaments, children's entertainment and other games to encourage interaction and to boost everyone's spirits, as well as live music and a Christmas present exchange.
Video report in Luxembourgish:
