Schueberfouer 2025 'good to go', says City official

The 685th edition of the Schueberfouer opens its doors at 5pm this Friday, bringing the traditional blend of thrills, food and festivities back to Luxembourg City’s Glacis.

With 213 stands, the fair remains the largest in the Greater Region and is expected to attract around two million visitors over the next 20 days. The Schueberfouer will run daily from 12pm and 1am, until 10 September.

This year’s edition introduces six new attractions and five new eateries to the mix. Setting up went very smoothly, according to Laurent Schwaller, the man behind Luxembourg’s most popular annual event.

Schueberfouer organiser Laurent Schwaller / © Claude Zeimetz - rtl.lu

'Safety is at the core of all our events'

Safety is an absolute priority at this year’s Schueberfouer, Fair Master Laurent Schwaller confirmed on Friday morning. Alongside the Police and the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), the City of Luxembourg’s Department of Events, Festivals and Markets has contracted a private security firm to monitor the grounds. Security staff will be stationed near each attraction and stand, guarding the surrounding areas and controlling entrances.

The firm, which regularly works with the municipality, organised safety briefings for all participants ahead of the event and carried out drills simulating potential emergency scenarios ranging from severe weather to terrorist threats.

The recent worrying trend of needle pricking at large gatherings has been factored into preparations. With police patrols also covering the fairground, Schwaller said the risk will be kept to a minimum. Systematic checks of visitors at entry points are not currently planned, though the option remains open if deemed necessary.

'Discussions about high prices is not unique to the fair'

When it comes to prices at the fair, organisers announced in advance that a portion of three traditional Gromperekichelcher will cost €7. With the classic side of apple compote, the price rises to €7.50 or €8. While the municipality does not set fixed prices, it monitors vendors to ensure they respect the agreed ranges laid out in their contracts.

With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and rising household expenses, the discussion about prices at the Schueberfouer is not unique to the fair, Laurent Schwaller explained.

“Visitors are free to spend as much or as little as they wish. Compared to other international fairs, our prices remain reasonable,” Schwaller noted, adding that stands are not allowed to raise their prices arbitrarily. The City ensures that goods are sold at consistent rates across the different fairs in Luxembourg.

Visitor numbers stable, but spending habits changing

Visitors continue to flock to the Glacis each year for the Schueberfouer, helped in part by Luxembourg’s relatively strong purchasing power. However, since the pandemic, spending habits have changed. People may spend their money differently, yet at the same time they seem to appreciate the sense of community and joy of gathering at such a huge event more.

Moreover, a new feature this year is that Family Day has been split into two with one day offering reduced prices for rides and a second day providing discounts on food and drinks.

The Schueberfouer belongs at the Glacis

In recent years, the question has been raised whether the Schueberfouer should be moved elsewhere to free up the Glacis for housing projects, a proposal made notably by the Fokus party. But for Laurent Schwaller, the Schueberfouer must remain at the Glacis. Schwaller added: "A city that wants to stay vibrant needs a central space for such large events and gatherings."

Watch the full interview (in Luxembourgish)